The Mpumalanga government has identified illegal water connections and rapidly expanding informal settlements as primary contributors to persistent water supply disruptions in the Ehlanzeni region. As upgrades to bulk water infrastructure continue, the Ehlanzeni District Municipality has installed solar-powered boreholes in the most affected villages to provide immediate relief.
A resident in one of the impacted communities, expressed relief after years of struggling to access clean drinking water. A newly installed borehole now provides a source of water just outside her home, marking a tangible improvement for households in the area.
Despite this progress, some residents maintain that local municipalities have failed to deliver consistent services. Community members have questioned why the Nkomazi Local Municipality has not extended tap water to their homes, given that bulk water infrastructure is reportedly available in the region. Additionally, some residents continue to prefer water from nearby wells, citing concerns that borehole water is not good for their laundry.
A municipal spokesperson clarified that the solar-powered boreholes are an interim measure while two catalytic infrastructure projects advance. The Sibange Bulk Water Scheme is designed to supply Tonga and surrounding areas. A second initiative, the Driekoppies Bulk Water Supply Scheme, will serve communities under the Matsamo Tribal Authority.
The spokesperson also raised concerns about criminal elements disrupting water supply through unauthorized connections. “There are serious issues of illegal connections,” the spokesperson stated, noting that individuals sometimes tamper with infrastructure even when formal pipelines are designated to serve their villages. Community members have been urged to report any interference with water infrastructure to help protect these critical systems.
The district municipality emphasized that while temporary solutions like solar boreholes address urgent needs, sustainable resolution depends on completing bulk infrastructure upgrades and curbing illegal connections. Residents are encouraged to engage with municipal channels to report service concerns and support coordinated efforts to stabilize water access across the region.
