Thirty years later and residents of Mulima still rely on dirty water

For nearly 30 years, the residents of Mulima and nearby villages have been grappling with a water shortage, driving them to desperate measures. Unable to afford to purchase water, they find themselves resorting to using water from a polluted fountain, which they share with animals, including donkeys and cattle.

The scarcity of clean water has become a persistent challenge for Mulima’s residents, forcing them to compromise on their health and well-being. The polluted fountains have now become a lifeline for those who cannot access alternative sources, such as buying water containers for R3.

One of the residents, Ms Christina Muliwa (51), said they could do nothing but travel the distance to fetch water from the fountain because some of them only depend on their SASSA grants. “It’s tough because not all of us can afford to buy water for R3. I have been fetching water from the dirty fountain since before I gave birth to my firstborn, who is now 30 years old. When the sun is hot, we find animals inside, making the situation worse, and we don’t even have roads,” she said.

Another resident, Ms Raswiswi Kamogelo, expressed concern about their health, especially that of the children. “Now there are cases of cholera. Continuing to drink water from the dirty fountain is not a good option. We are pleading with the municipality to drill boreholes for us and ensure they award contracts to a contractor who will complete the project as we have around three incomplete water projects,” she said.

Thovhele Vho Fhatuwani Mulima said that their attempts to seek assistance from Vhembe District Municipality through letters had been in vain. “The government is failing us, and we have lost hope. Now, as a community, we are considering drilling our own boreholes because trust has eroded,” he said.

VDM spokesperson Mr Matodzi Ralushai explained that a water project was initiated at Mulima and nearby villages. “Klein Letaba was identified as the source, but it dried up. Alternative groundwater sources were developed; however, the infrastructure was vandalised. The municipality is currently in the process of fixing the damaged infrastructure,” he said.

News - Date: 09 March 2024

Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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