The community of Mofufutso village near Mahikeng is facing a severe and protracted water crisis, with some residents reporting they have been without a reliable tap water supply for more than five years.
According to frustrated villagers, they are now entirely dependent on four communal boreholes, only two of which are functional. They state that government water infrastructure has not been upgraded for years, revealing that the last borehole was drilled in 1997. The existing reservoir’s capacity is also cited as insufficient for the village’s growing number of households.
With communal taps long since dry, the water shortage has forced residents into difficult and costly alternatives.
“We need water and we are struggling,” one resident said. “When we are supposed to get water, we have to travel… as far as Kunana and [have been] more than 5 years without water.”
For those living closer to the few working boreholes, the crisis has a financial toll, with some paying a monthly fee of R100 to R200 to access water.
“The thing is… nothing is being done,” another resident lamented.
The district municipality, which is responsible for water provision, has outlined a multi-step plan to address the situation. A municipal spokesperson explained the strategy, stating, “Step one is to maintain the current infrastructure. I am happy that three out of four boreholes are working. The other one is the right up.”
Step two involves providing water through tankering services, which the spokesperson confirmed are insourced. The medium-term step three is to augment supply by drilling additional boreholes, though this is contingent on the municipality’s operational and maintenance budget. If not feasible, step four would be to establish a “fully-fledged project.”
In response to the crisis, the local tribal authority has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the government.
“As the tribal council, we decided to help where we can,” a representative said. “We are from [a] business person who is willing to assist us with water tanks and machines to be installed.” The representative noted that the tribal authority lacks its own resources but is prepared to ask the municipality for support if necessary.
The district municipality has also indicated its intention to launch a future water project in the area, offering a glimmer of hope for a permanent solution to Mofufutso’s long-standing water woes.
