The community of Musina is calling on the municipality to find a lasting solution to its water woes. According to the community, a different section is without water nearly every week – almost like taking turns - which continues for days at a time. They say that the biggest part of Musina town was without water for three days last week.
Residents complain that they have no money to buy water for their domestic use and therefore have to make use of any source of water within their reach every time their taps run dry.
On 22 February, Musina residents were requested, in a media release by the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), to be patient after heavy rainfall had damaged the town's water infrastructure. According to Matodzi Ralushai, the VDM's spokesperson, water pipelines were swept away, pump stations were damaged, and the electricity supply was cut off. He (Ralushai) said that water would be provided via trucks in the affected areas.
"If the municipality goes around with tankers, we never see them. So, we must find alternative means for water," said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Thompson Mbedzi from Matswale told Limpopo Mirror: "Any nearby place where water is stagnant, is a good source, regardless of how dirty the water is. This really affects me, since I have several tenants here. I have to make sure the tenants have water for the baths and toilets."
In situations like these, Mbedzi has to buy water for drinking and preparing meals, but he cannot afford to buy water for his tenants too.
Another resident, Jane Vuledzani, said that she and several others had to rush to ditches up the hill, where a new road was being constructed, to fetch water.
Limpopo Mirror visited these ditches, which are near the Matswale area, on Saturday (27 February). A lot of footprints could be found around the ditches.
"I cannot afford to buy water for toilet use and washing. A 20-litre container costs R20," said Vuledzani. She urges the municipality to supply the community with constant water, and not to pretend to be concerned only during national elections, when they want people to vote for them.
A contractor was appointed on 25 February to restore the water infrastructure.