Residents of Ward 19 in Bizana, under the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, gathered in numbers to express their deep frustration over the continued lack of access to clean drinking water, a hardship that has  affected the community for many years.

In Mbabazo village, Mrs Mzekeni spoke on behalf of concerned residents, describing the daily struggle of living without running water. She said that since she married and moved to the village more than 20 years ago, she has never experienced access to clean tap water.

“We wake up very early in the morning to fetch water from the stream before domestic animals get there and contaminate it,” she explained. “We use that same water for cooking, washing clothes, and even during bereavements in the village. It is the only source we have”, she said.

She added that the municipality has not provided temporary relief measures such as water tankers to ease the burden on residents.

In Monti village, under the Amangutyana Administrative Area, Mrs Magama Msuthu echoed similar concerns. She said the community has never had reliable access to clean running water for as long as she can remember. According to Msuthu, she walks long distances to the river to collect water, sparing her grandchildren from making the exhausting trip after school.

Community representative Mr Zwayi, speaking on behalf of the headman, said residents are deeply unhappy about relying on river water. He noted that attempts to engage municipal officials have yielded little progress. Officials reportedly indicated that some individuals are illegally diverting water to their homesteads, leaving Mbabazo village without supply. Zwayi also raised concerns about rising stock theft in Ward 19.

Ward Councillor Xolile Ntsethe clarified that water provision falls under the authority of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, not the local municipality. He said the role of the local municipality is to submit reports and recommendations to the district authority.

Ntsethe added that the district municipality is implementing development projects, including the construction of a reservoir in Monti village, which is expected to benefit Ward 19 residents.