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Buffalo City Executive Mayor Princess Faku on 9 October 2025 led a community engagement and oversight visit at Ncera Village 2 sports field. She met with residents from Wards 31 and 32, who have faced severe water shortages in recent weeks. The visit formed part of a fact-finding mission to address service delivery problems and rebuild trust with local communities.
What Happened
The visit followed growing frustration among residents over the unreliable water supply. Mayor Faku was joined by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality officials, MMC Yomelela Tyali, ward councillors, and Amatola Water representatives.
“I’m here for fact-finding, but also for accountability. Our people need answers and leadership, that’s what I’m here to give,” said Mayor Faku.
Residents shared how they had been without water for days, relying on tankers and unsafe sources. The Mayor heard reports of infrastructure failures, management lapses, and valve tampering. She described these acts as “deliberate sabotage.”
Official Response
Mayor Faku expressed frustration with the city’s over-reliance on water tankers, calling the system unsustainable and open to abuse.
“I hate water tankers. I don’t want to see them anymore in Buffalo City. For 13 years, we’ve been held hostage by what I call the ‘Water Tanker Mafia.’ Valves are being closed on purpose to create artificial crises, that must stop now,” she said.
She confirmed that security teams and community volunteers will be deployed to protect infrastructure, including the Needs Camp Reservoir, which is under strain.
Several infrastructure upgrades are in progress. The Mount Coke–Ncera–Chalumna link is expected to ease pressure on existing systems and expand water access. The Unit P to Needs Camp line continues to serve as a temporary water route.
Community Impact
Residents welcomed the Mayor’s visit and voiced further concerns about sanitation and water distribution. Many requested VIP toilets and fair water sharing. The municipality promised temporary water stands and a review of damaged boreholes for possible repair.
“People are tired, and I don’t blame them. But we are committed to delivering services to our communities, and that is exactly what we are going to do,” said Mayor Faku.
The Mayor announced that bi-weekly community meetings and weekly technical sessions will be held to track progress and ensure transparency. A follow-up visit is scheduled later this month to report back to residents.
