Fed-up of waiting for authorities, Zigadini residents are taking matters into their own hands, pooling money to set up their own water supply. Photo: Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik.
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They say Alfred Nzo District Municipality has failed them
- Residents of Zigadini in KwaBhaca, Eastern Cape, are funding their water supply system due to a lack of reliable municipal water.
- Each household contributes R1,000 for infrastructure and R750 for labour, a heavy expense for mostly pensioners.
- The community has bought two 5,000-litre water tanks and pipes, connecting water to 14 households.
- Nonkazimlo Nqalathi, a resident, said, “It’s a lot of money, but we’re tired of drinking water from where pigs swim. We want clean water.”
- The village is part of Umzimvubu Local Municipality, but Alfred Nzo District is responsible for water services.
- A borehole installed by the district in 2019 never worked, and new infrastructure in 2022 only served Machibini, excluding Zigadini and nearby areas.
- Nqalathi noted, “We are hoping that the municipality will meet us halfway, but we can’t wait any longer.”
- Ward 24 Councillor Mlungiseleli Jonase said there is no budget currently for the project.
- Alfred Nzo’s water manager, Nkosinathi Gule, indicated plans to connect Zigadini to Machibini’s supply but said this depends on budget.
- Alfred Nzo District Municipality faces scrutiny for underspending infrastructure grants, risking withheld funding.
- By September, of R123 million in grants, the municipality had spent only R16 million (13%), leading to a warning from the Department of Cooperative Governance (COGTA).The municipality countered, claiming it would reach 66% expenditure with all invoices, requesting funds not be withheld.
- COGTA transferred a second instalment of grant money in October.
- Alfred Nzo spokesperson Nelisile Xolo denied reports of underspending, stating they intend to fully use funds by June 2024.
- Zithobile Mvinjana, a resident, suggested the municipality just supply pipes and taps “so people can continue on their own.”
