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Matatiele residents raise water crisis concerns at Imbizo with MEC Zolile Williams

Story By Mpumelelo Rhalarhala

Residents of Matatiele in the Eastern Cape Province have painted a bleak picture regarding the ongoing water crisis, describing it as a severe issue that continues to disrupt daily life. The matter was discussed in detail during an Imbizo held at the Maluti Civic Centre, where Eastern Cape of Local Government and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams addressed the concerns raised by residents last year.

One of the central topics raised by residents from various wards, including Wards 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, was the lack of access to water. Many shared that they have been without water for weeks, despite prior promises that water tanks would be provided to affected areas. During the event, the residents expressed frustration, noting that reporting the issue to local management had become futile, as they feel nothing changes.

The situation is critical, as highlighted by  Ndukwana, a representative from the Department of Health, who pointed out that the lack of water puts residents at risk of disease due to the inability to maintain hygiene and clean living conditions.

In Ward 1, which includes the Maluti and Skiti areas, residents reported prolonged water shortages. Boreholes, which were promised to mitigate the crisis, have not yet been completed. The latest promise by Executive Mayor Vukile Mhlelembana that 15 tanks are going to be delivered in the area in few days has not been successful.  In response to these grievances, Strategic Manager Nelisile Xolo recent commitments by Executive Mayor have kick started as foundations to install promised tanks are being build. He said 6 out of 8 boreholes are functioning well. He noted  that Ward 5 is facing a shortage of taps in areas such as Vikinduku and Lubaleko. Plans are underway to install boreholes in this area, and the speed at which they can be completed will determine the number of taps provided.

Additionally, Xolo revealed that the infrastructure in Ward 5 had been vandalized, contributing to the ongoing water crisis.

The water shortage is not the only challenge faced by Matatiele residents. Poor road conditions in various areas have also been a source of concern. Residents from Wards 3, 17, and 22 called for urgent repairs, noting that roads in their areas are in poor condition due to rainfall damage. Dumisani. Mbokwana, who addressed the issue on behalf of the Department of Transport, acknowledged that areas such as Mdeni, Mgubho, Lugada, Nkalweni, and Mbizeni are still struggling with damaged roads. Matatiele was also excluded from the Welisizwe Bridges project, leaving some bridges yet to be constructed.

Mbokwana reported that while some access roads have been improved, such as the road in Mgubho village and Mkhemane in Ward 22, significant roadwork will be carried out in the 2025/2026 financial year as part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP)..

In closing, MEC Zolile Williams urged residents to forward their concerns and suggestions to their ward councilors for further action. He promised to monitor the progress on the water and road issues as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address these pressing challenges in Matatiele

 

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