Komani’s Bulhoek Runs Dry as Residents Go a Month Without Water

Bulhoek Community Without Water for Nearly a Month as Pump Failures Persist

Komani, Eastern Cape – Residents of Bulhoek, a rural community within the Chris Hani District Municipality, have been without a consistent water supply for nearly a month, raising growing concern about service delivery failures and a lack of communication from responsible authorities.

According to information provided by community member Brian Witbooi, the water supply to Bulhoek stopped on 24 December 2025. Since then, residents have reportedly received only two truckloads of water, which were insufficient to meet the needs of the entire village and lasted just two days. No further water deliveries have taken place since.

Bulhoek is located approximately 30 minutes from Komani (Queenstown), along the R61, about 20 kilometres from the town, near the Thornhill–Thabatemba turn-off. The area forms part of the broader Chris Hani District Municipality, which is responsible for water services.

Multiple Pump Failures Reported

Residents have been informed that the water disruption is linked to faulty water pumps affecting several supply points:

• Bulhoek: The main pump reportedly failed due to mechanical issues. Replacement parts were not immediately available, and it allegedly took weeks for officials to conduct an assessment. Community members were later informed that the incorrect replacement pump had been procured, further delaying repairs.

• Qwabi: The pump supplying water to this area operates on diesel, which reportedly ran out and was not replenished in time, resulting in another supply interruption.

• Ntabelanga: A similar issue involving a faulty pump has been reported. At the time of reporting, residents say they have not received clear information on when repairs will be completed.

Frustration Over Lack of Communication

Residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as poor communication and lack of accountability. According to Witbooi, responsible officials have not responded to phone calls or community WhatsApp messages seeking updates on the situation.

The prolonged water outage has had a significant impact on daily life, particularly during the summer period, when water is essential for drinking, sanitation, and household use. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, are especially affected.

Calls for Urgent Intervention

Community members are calling on the Chris Hani District Municipality to urgently intervene, restore water supply, and provide transparent updates on repair timelines. Residents are also requesting consistent interim water deliveries until permanent solutions are implemented.