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Home » Torching of Water Tanks in Orange Farm is “Major Setback”, Says DWS

Torching of Water Tanks in Orange Farm is “Major Setback”, Says DWS

South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation says the torching of water tanks in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, is a “major setback” in efforts to provide water to desperate communities in need. The department is placing water tankers and tanks in communities around the country, including at schools, under Water Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s direction. […]

By SAPeople
11-06-20 16:15
in Eish!
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South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation says the torching of water tanks in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, is a “major setback” in efforts to provide water to desperate communities in need.

The department is placing water tankers and tanks in communities around the country, including at schools, under Water Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s direction. This is in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to ensure that water-stressed communities have access to clean water supply in order for people to be able to wash their hands in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus.

DWS’s Gauteng Provincial Head, Sibusiso Mthembu, expressed his disappointment at the torching, saying this was running counter to the objective of ensuring that communities were not negatively impacted by the virus.

Mthembu said while many are desperate for the department’s assistance, the actions of some are “unjustified and utterly unacceptable”.

He said: “Coronavirus is spreading at a rapid rate and communities need water to wash their hands. These acts of wanton destruction of property are infringing upon the rights of access to water of other members of the community. We condemn such acts as they demonstrate disregard for other people’s lives.”

Humanitarian James Urdang last month said he has been working with the Orange Farm community for 25 years and has “never seen people so desperate”.

On Monday, protestors blocked streets in the area with burning tyres, complaining about the lack of both water and electricity. One protestor told EWN: “There’s a huge overpopulation in our community and the reason why people are out on the streets right now is electricity. We are not getting any water from the tank that was built in our community.”

To date, the department has provided a total of 2 232 water tanks to the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as the Sedibeng District and West Rand District Municipalities.

Mthembu urged communities to look after water infrastructure, reiterating that its destruction only sets back whatever strides government is making to guarantee communities are safe from the Coronavirus. – SAnews.gov.za