Cowdray Park residents have been grappling with a severe water shortage for over a month, raising alarms about the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases as they resort to using unprotected sources.
The situation has reached a crisis point, with locals expressing their frustration over the dehumanizing conditions caused by the ongoing lack of access to clean water.
According to residents interviewed by source , the water scarcity has persisted for an extended period, attributed to what city council officials and engineers describe as “gradient levels.” This explanation, however, has done little to quell the mounting anger and desperation felt within the community.
Residents have voiced their displeasure regarding the inadequate water supplies from a tank installed by the city council in 2022.
Many households have reported that the tank is far from sufficient to meet their needs, providing less than seven buckets of water per household, which must stretch over several days. “We have not had water for over a month now,” shared a group of residents, highlighting the dire circumstances they face daily.
One resident, who identified himself as Moyo, revealed that they have resorted to purchasing borehole water from neighbors to supplement their meager supplies.
“The most painful reality that we are facing is that on one hand, we are buying water and on the other, we are paying bills to the city council, which are always increasing every month,” he lamented, emphasizing the financial strain caused by the dual burden of bills and water scarcity.
Adding to the community’s plight, many residents have historically relied on household wells for water supply. However, prolonged drought conditions have caused these wells to dry up, exacerbating the crisis. Efforts made by the city council to drill new boreholes have proven ineffective.
Amid rising tensions, Cowdray Park’s ward 28 councillor, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, declined to comment on the situation and redirected all inquiries to Mayor David Coltart and Council Corporate Communications Officer Bongiwe Ngwenya.
In response to the concerns raised, Ngwenya acknowledged receipt of the questions sent to her on Tuesday. However, as of the time of this report, she had not provided any further information or solutions to the ongoing water crisis.
As residents of Cowdray Park continue to face this distressing situation, the urgent need for reliable access to clean water and an adequate response from local authorities remains critical to avert a possible health crisis.
The community awaits a resolution to restore their basic right to water, essential for their daily lives and health.
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