In an interview with OFM News, residents say they have been waiting in long lines just to come to the front of the queue to find that water tanks are empty. Community members say they have been without water for five days, and they are extremely frustrated and thirsty. It has been a constant struggle for the fifth consecutive day without water, as they have been unable to send their children to school or go to work themselves because they cannot bath or wash their clothes.

In the meantime, DA Ward Councillor for Fauna, Uitsig, Lourier Park and most of the southern parts, David Mc Kay, said better planning should have been put in place by the Mangaung Municipality. Mc Kay says he understands the frustrations of community members because the water tanks get depleted very quickly. Mc Kay adds that people who do not have transport have to walk long distances to these water tanks, and it is a major problem.

Another resident from Pellissier, Mr Du Plessis says he has been waiting by the water tank in the area since early this morning, in hopes that someone would come and fill it. Du Plessis says he is tired of promises from Bloemwater.

Rossouw Botes, a local DA Ward Councillor who is well-informed when it comes to water issues, however, says water had reached the Brandkop Reservoir between 08:00 and 09:00 this morning. He says 1 100 litres of water is currently being pumped into the reservoir every second.

Fichardt Park, Fauna, Uitsig, Pellissier, Lourier Park, Bloemdal, Fereirra, Kwaggafontein, and other areas in the southern parts of the city were affected since last week.

Water tanks were made available at the Spitskop Fruit Lovers Market, Fichardt Park Library, Lourier Park Primary School, the Fauna Engen Garage, Fleurdal Mall, Pellissier Engen Garage, and the Uitsig Victory Bottle Store (General Brand Street).

(Please note that OFM listeners have said that no tankers were at these locations)

OFM News

Videographer: Josca Human