This, after they promised residents will have clean running water supply by Tuesday 7 April. OFM News on Monday reported that Nxangisa said they noted the challenges that residents have been experiencing in this municipality and are steadfast in delivering their promises. The water expected to be supplied to residents today is from the Fika Patso Dam, which Nxangisa confirmed stands at 41% capacity. This is expected to cover large areas in the Phuthaditjhaba CBD, in industrial areas, as well as the Manapo Hospital and the Elisabeth Ross Hospital. 

The Provincial government in a statement says other areas within the municipality will continue being supplied with water tankers while the dam is not yet at its full capacity as well as while they finalise other water infrastructure projects.  

The provincial government earlier this year got under fire for the water crisis in this area when residents went up in arms over a lack of water following the death of an 8-year-old girl who fell into a nearby river and drowned as she and her 10-year-old brother were fetching water. 

The protests in the area saw schools and businesses being shutdown by residents who claimed their plight had seemingly fallen on deaf ears. 

Coupled with this, a video of Manapo Hospital's patients carrying water buckets from Jojo tanks made rounds on social media and caused an outrage with social media users demanding answers from the provincial government. 

Following the shutdown, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu pledged R220 million to address the water crisis in the area.

OFM News