According to some residents in Ventersburg, taps have run dry. 

The community, situated more than 140 km north of Bloemfontein, has reportedly been without water for the past six days. 

Lynette Pretorius tells OFM News that the lack of water supply poses a health risk to residents. She says they are scared some might lose their lives to Covid-19 as they are unable to wash their hands. 

The province currently has a total of 115 771 positive cases, with 98 611 recoveries and over 5 000 deaths. It is amongst those hard-hit by the third wave of the pandemic with more than 16 000 active cases registered.

In an exclusive interview with the Matjhabeng Executive Mayor, Nkonsinjani Speelman, on Wednesday, it was confirmed that service delivery in areas of Welkom, Odendaalsrus, Ventersburg, and others is a challenge. Speelman told OFM News this is largely due to a lack of revenue collection and vandalism to municipal infrastructure.

He said whilst the municipality is working around the clock to address service delivery issues, including the payment of Eskom and the water board, they are appealing to communities to pay for services and report acts of vandalism to their water and sewerage plant.

OFM News