Residents of Tumahole township in Parys, Free State, are up in arms over the lack of clean running water in their community for the past eight months. The frustration has boiled over into a protest that has effectively shut down the town.
According to Tshepo Naale, a community member, the water crisis in Parys began in June 2022 and has persisted into 2023, with multiple shutdowns exacerbating the situation. Despite receiving Jojo tanks from the provincial government, residents claim that the tanks remain empty, even in essential facilities like clinics. This has severely impacted the ability of health facilities to operate effectively, forcing many residents to seek private medical services.
Tseko Masimong, a member of the Tumahole clinic committee, highlighted the dire consequences of the water shortage on the community’s health. Patients like Lebohang Sotyu, who live with conditions like HIV, struggle to access essential medication without clean water. Similarly, Daniel Molorane, who has diabetes, expressed concerns about the quality of water in the tanks, noting that it often makes residents sick.
While the provincial health department has urged the community not to close down clinics, civil society organizations like the Inyanda National Land Movement and the Trust for Community Outreach and Education (TCOE) have voiced their support for the protestors. However, they condemn the violence that has erupted during the protest, emphasizing the importance of peaceful demonstrations.
The underlying issues of corruption, lack of expertise, and budget constraints have further complicated the situation in Parys. The National Treasury’s austerity measures have left municipalities struggling to maintain essential services, further aggravating the water crisis.
As the protest intensifies, organizers have vowed to escalate their demands if the authorities fail to address the water crisis promptly. The community’s resilience and determination to fight for their rights highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure access to clean water for all residents.
