The Moqhaka Local Municipality in the Free State has assured residents that the tap water is safe to drink, pending the results of samples that have been sent for testing. This announcement comes in response to complaints from residents who have noticed dirty water with a foul smell coming from their taps since Sunday.
Ishmael Semmaleng, a resident of Dinoheng, expressed his frustration and plans to report the water quality issue to the South African Human Rights Commission. He holds the municipality accountable for the unacceptable situation, questioning how they could allow dirty water to be distributed to the community.
Aleta Cowley, another resident, reported that the water coming out of her tap has a brownish tint and an unpleasant odor. Several residents have also complained of stomach cramps, which they suspect are caused by water contamination. The Maokeng Clinic has noted an increase in the number of patients presenting with stomach cramps after consuming tap water. Sechaba Mohlale, a clinic clerk, advised community members to boil the water before use to mitigate health risks.
Teboho Kgabane, whose child sought medical attention at the clinic for stomach pains, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the municipality. He stated that residents in Maokeng and Kroonstad are unaware of what steps to take and criticized the silence of municipal officials and councillors.
In response to the situation, municipal spokesperson Dika Kheswa assured the community that engineers have initiated investigations. Kheswa emphasized the importance of maintaining calm among residents experiencing water quality issues and mentioned that the mayor has ordered water samples to be taken and tested to determine the cause of the water discoloration.
This is not the first time Moqhaka residents have faced water quality issues. In January 2020, a video circulated on social media showing residents discovering worms in their tap water. Despite denials of water contamination at the time, the issue persisted. In October 2021, then deputy president, David Mabuza, visited the affected areas and pledged to resolve the water contamination problem by December. However, it appears that the issue has not been fully addressed, as evidenced by the recent complaints from residents.
The municipality continues to face challenges with water quality, particularly due to the ongoing flow of sewage into the Vaal River. Efforts are being made to address the situation, but residents are understandably concerned about the recurring issue of dirty water. It is crucial for the municipality to prioritize the health and safety of its residents by ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
