Persistent water shortages in Mpumalanga’s Ehlanzeni region have prompted emergency interventions, with the district municipality deploying solar-powered boreholes to villages hardest hit by supply disruptions. Authorities point to unauthorized connections and the rapid growth of informal settlements as key drivers behind the ongoing service challenges, even as long-term infrastructure upgrades move forward.
A local resident said the installation of a community borehole has brought meaningful change. After years without reliable access to clean drinking water, she now has a functional source located just steps from her home—a development welcomed by many in her neighborhood.
However, frustration remains among some community members who question why the Nkomazi Local Municipality has not yet connected households to the formal tap water network, particularly given that regional bulk infrastructure is already in place. Others continue drawing water from local wells, expressing concerns that the borehole supply is unsuitable for laundry purposes.
Municipal officials stress that the solar boreholes represent a stopgap solution while two major bulk water projects near completion. The Sibange Bulk Water Scheme is earmarked to serve Tonga and neighboring communities, while the Driekoppies Bulk Water Supply Scheme will extend coverage to areas under the Matsamo Tribal Authority.
A municipal spokesperson highlighted ongoing challenges with infrastructure sabotage and unlawful taps. “There are serious issues of illegal connections,” the spokesperson noted, explaining that some individuals bypass official pipelines even when legitimate supply routes are planned for their area. Residents have been encouraged to report any suspected tampering with water systems to help safeguard these essential resources.
While the temporary borehole installations provide critical short-term relief, officials emphasize that lasting water security depends on finalizing the bulk infrastructure upgrades and addressing illegal connections. The district municipality continues to engage with communities to coordinate service improvements and ensure sustainable access to clean water across the Ehlanzeni region.