‘We’re supplying water via trucks to essential services, including hospitals and clinics.’ – Victor Khanye Municipality
DELMAS – A severe water crisis has escalated, leading to a protest by healthcare workers at Bernice Samuel Hospital and subsequent civil unrest. On Tuesday, November 11, 2024, healthcare workers at Bernice Samuel Hospital dropped tools and marched to the Delmas town council to protest the lack of water at the facility. “We can’t work under these conditions,” said one nurse, who wished to remain anonymous. “Patients are suffering, and we’re risking our own health.”
This action coincided with a broader water shortage crisis affecting various parts of the town, including Botleng Extension 6 and 7, where residents have been without water for over 60 days. “We’ve been washing our hands with sanitisers and drinking bottled water,” said a resident of Botleng Extension 6, “but we can’t sustain this forever.”
Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) Mayor, Cllr. Vusi Buda, attributed the water shortages to a combination of factors, including reduced water supply from Randwater due to unpaid debts and increased demand. “We’re doing our best to address the situation,” said Mayor Buda, “but it’s a complex issue with multiple factors at play.”
However, critics argue that the municipality’s response has been inadequate, and the situation has deteriorated rapidly. The strike by healthcare workers has raised serious concerns about patient safety and public health. Cllr. Diane Bath of the Democratic Alliance expressed deep concern over the potential impact on vulnerable patients, particularly the elderly, infants, and those with chronic illnesses. “It’s a disgrace that our healthcare workers are forced to strike because of a lack of basic necessities,” said Cllr. Bath. “This is a public health crisis that demands immediate attention.”
Residents like Ntombifikhile Mncube, a former nurse, have echoed these concerns. “Hospitals and clinics must always have water,” said Mncube. “The municipality needs to prioritise water supply to essential services, especially healthcare facilities. This is a matter of life and death.”
“The water shortage at Bernice Samuel Hospital is due to reduced supply from Rand Water,” said Acting Municipal Manager Betty Mokoena. “We’re supplying water via trucks, prioritising hospitals, clinics, and schools. A temporary fix for the hospital’s water loss issue was implemented on November 8th. Additionally, we’re currently refurbishing the Delmas Water Treatment Plant to increase water supply, with completion expected by December 6th.”
The escalating tensions highlight the growing desperation of the community, which feels neglected and abandoned by the local authorities. As the situation continues to deteriorate, there is a real risk of further unrest and widespread social upheaval. The community of Delmas is calling on the government and relevant authorities to take urgent action to resolve this crisis and ensure the well-being of its residents.
