Komani, Eastern Cape — After months of frustration over dry taps, Ward Councillor M. Nonyongo has shed light on the reasons behind the ongoing water shortages affecting several villages between Komani and Whittlesea.
Residents in Who Can Tell, Merino Walk, Hansome, and McBride Villages have endured a lack of running water since late July, forcing many to depend on sporadic water trucks and unsafe natural sources. The crisis was first reported by Komani News in “Komani Villages Face Three-Month Water Crisis Amid Municipal Silence” and “Residents Endure Three Months Without Water”.
Councillor Gives Detailed Breakdown of Problems
Responding to Komani News on 27 October, Councillor Nonyongo explained that each affected area faces a different technical challenge.
“In Who Can Tell Village, the motor was damaged by weather conditions.
McBride Village engines were vandalized, and in Ensam, the problem started about three weeks ago — the challenge is the stand of the engine and pipe,” he said.
The councillor confirmed that all vandalized engines have been reported to the South African Police Service and the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM).
“We were told that procurement processes are taking place till today,” Nonyongo added, noting that the district municipality is handling repairs and replacement equipment.
Gift of the Givers Providing Essential Relief
Councillor Nonyongo praised the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers for providing the only consistent source of water to the affected communities.
“Gift of the Givers is the only hope for our people — they are delivering water once a week, and Chris Hani is not doing that,” he said.
Residents confirmed that the weekly water deliveries have been a lifeline, although the volume remains insufficient for household needs.
Health and Safety Concerns Mount
Without a reliable water supply, many residents have turned to rivers and springs shared with livestock. Health professionals warn that consuming untreated water can lead to cholera, diarrhoea, and other waterborne illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Women and girls face additional safety concerns, often travelling long distances through isolated areas to collect water.
Call for District and Provincial Action
Councillor Nonyongo emphasised that progress depends on the Chris Hani District Municipality’s procurement process, urging further engagement with district officials for clear timelines on repairs.
Meanwhile, community members are calling for urgent intervention from both CHDM and the Department of Water and Sanitation, insisting that temporary truck deliveries are not a sustainable solution.
Background: Months of Hardship Across Ward 20
The ongoing crisis follows earlier Komani News investigations (read here) that documented residents queuing for limited water truck supplies and collecting unsafe water sources. The latest comments from Councillor Nonyongo now provide clarity on the infrastructure failures and delays that have worsened the situation.
As procurement processes continue, residents remain hopeful that district-level intervention will soon restore a stable and safe water supply to the affected Komani villages.
