By: Nosipho Haya-Komisa
Buffalo City Metro Municipality has set aside a staggering amount of 213 million rands since the start of the term with an additional budget of 102 million to provide clean and reliable water supply in the Metro.
As part of providing water to rural areas, the metro has also distributed 31 water tanks in areas battling with water shortages.
However, some villagers in and around King Williams Town are complaining about water shortages in their areas.
A concerned Zinyoka resident in King William’s Town who wanted to speak on condition of anonymity has asked the municipality to ensure that water trucks fill the tanks provided by the municipality at least twice a day.
“The last time we had running water on our taps was in April. Even though the municipality is trying it’s best to provide water through tankers on trucks, that water is not enough. We have livestock that also needs water to drink”, she said.
Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samnkelo Ngwenya has told BCM News that the municipality will continue to provide water to the affected areas.
“We are continuing to improve water provision with 98 percent of our population having access to basic water supply and we are working to provide water in those areas experiencing challenges,” said Ngwenya.
Ngwenya added that the Metro is going to make sure that all citizens have access to clean and adequate water during this period of COVID-19.
“We are continuing to deliver water through water tankers to about 2 percent of our communities and this service has been augmented since the COVID-19 outbreak. We want the best for all the people in our Metro.”
Ngwenya revealed that there are currently 13 water truck tankers delivering water to affected areas.