Originally published on 11 February 2019

Makhanda (which used to be called Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape has a big water problem, which leaves many people without water for days. The community and the disaster relief group Gift of the Givers stepped up to help with the urgent need for water.

What was the problem?

Many parts of Makhanda had had no water for more than a week because of issues with the water supply system. The high dirt levels in the Orange/Fish River supply caused the James Kleynhans Water Treatment Works to stop working, affecting the city's eastern part. Low water levels in Settlers Dam and surprise power cuts made the problem worse. Residents waited for hours to get water from city trucks, which had trouble meeting the need.

How did they solve it?

Getting clean water is a right for all in South Africa and is meant to be provided by the local government. However, to help with the crisis, Gift of the Givers brought truckloads of bottled water to Makhanda and drilled boreholes so the community could get their water themselves. The group also sent Dr Gideon Groenewald, a water expert, to work with the city to find long-term water solutions. At the same time, the local group Makana Revive helped by giving out water. Vehicles from nearby municipalities and the University formerly known as Rhodes also delivered water to affected areas.

Acknowledgements:

Original article written by: Sue Maclennan, Grocott's Mail

Photograph supplied by: Rhodes University, Grocott's Mail

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