Sun. Feb 9th, 2025

Longlands, Northern Cape — Residents of Longlands, a community under the Dikgatlong Municipality near Barkley West in Northern Cape, are calling for urgent action to address their severe and prolonged water crisis. The issue, which has plagued the area for the past five years, has reached a critical point, with locals expressing frustration over the inadequate and unsanitary water supply.

The water, delivered sporadically by truck, has been described as dirty, muddy, and unsafe for consumption. This unreliable service has left residents struggling with basic needs and health concerns. Longlands residents are pleading with the Dikgatlong Municipality to find a permanent solution to this ongoing problem.

Tozamile Fokwana, a local resident, shared the daily challenges faced by the community: “We struggle here. We have two weeks without water; as I am speaking now, there is no water. Yesterday there was no water. I have to run after the truck and I’m old, I have knee problems.”

Bettie Steenkamp, another resident, highlighted the severe health impacts: “Our toilets are dirty. We get infections because of the toilets running without water. We want Dikgatlong Municipality to fix our problems because now we have to pay doctors and we don’t have money.”

The residents’ grievances underscore a broader issue of poor service delivery in the Dikgatlong Municipality. The community’s desperation is palpable as they face health risks and daily inconveniences due to the lack of access to clean water. The call for action is growing louder, with Longlands residents demanding that their local authorities address their needs and implement a sustainable solution to the water crisis.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution becomes increasingly urgent. The Dikgatlong Municipality faces mounting pressure to respond effectively to the residents’ pleas and ensure that such critical issues are resolved promptly.

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