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Residents of Mbana village in Ward 33 of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality are now receiving water at home after years without reliable supply.
The village extension in eMaweleni developed after the original water reticulation system was installed in the area. As a result, many households in Mbana were left outside the municipal water network.
However, a new pipeline project has now connected the settlement to the Thornhill Water Works system. The connection is expected to provide a stable and sustainable water supply to local households.
What happened
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality completed a water infrastructure project to extend supply to Mbana village.
Mbana is a newer settlement within eMaweleni in Ward 33 of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. When the original water reticulation system was built, the village had not yet been developed.
As the community expanded, many households remained without direct access to piped water.
The municipality has now addressed this gap through the installation of 3.153 kilometres of new pipeline, connecting Mbana to the Thornhill Water Works network.
As a result, households in the area can now access water directly from their homes.
Key details of the water project
| Project detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mbana village, eMaweleni, Ward 33 |
| Municipality | King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality |
| District | O.R. Tambo District Municipality |
| Infrastructure installed | 3.153 km water pipeline |
| Water source | Thornhill Water Works network |
| Outcome | Household access to reliable water supply |
Why it matters
Reliable access to clean water is essential for household health, sanitation and daily living.
Previously, many Mbana residents had to travel long distances to collect water. This placed additional pressure on families and limited access for children and elderly residents.
With the new connection, households in the area can now access water closer to home. This reduces the time spent collecting water and improves living conditions for residents.
The project also supports broader efforts to expand basic services to growing rural communities.
What happens next
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality says it will continue extending infrastructure to underserved communities.
According to the municipality, the goal is to connect villages ward by ward and community by community until all households have access to reliable water services.
Additional water infrastructure projects may continue in other areas of the district as settlements expand and service needs increase.
Where to get help or report water issues
Residents who experience water supply problems can contact:
- King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
- O.R. Tambo District Municipality water services department
- Their local ward councillor
These offices can assist with service queries, maintenance issues or new connection information.
