Residents across the greater Enhlanzeni District Municipality have called for urgent action to address unreliable water services, saying their strong support for the Water Services Amendment Bill is driven by the hope that it will end the daily hardship caused by water shortages and inconsistent tanker services.
The concerns were raised during the first of three public participation sessions on the Bill held in Mpumalanga. The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation hosted the session at the Graskop Town Hall, where residents turned out in large numbers to share their experiences and views on the proposed legislation.
For many residents, access to reliable water remains a daily struggle. They told the committee that sporadic water supplies and dependence on water tankers have made life increasingly difficult, particularly in communities where infrastructure has deteriorated.
Mr Eddy Mnisi from Mbombela said the Bill should be passed and implemented urgently because communities cannot survive without reliable access to water. “Water is life, and we need the Bill to be implemented as a matter of urgency as we need water to live.”
Mnisi also said his community is currently experiencing serious water shortages, adding that he would prioritise access to water over money. “I personally will choose water over money and currently we are not getting water, which is a problem. I fully support the Bill,” he said.
His views were echoed by Ms Marlise Lekgau from Matibidi in the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, who highlighted the poor condition of local water infrastructure. Lekgau said residents receive water through water tankers for only about two days a week. “We currently receive water at least two days in a week and this is a problem for residents as we cannot live without water.”
She called on the municipality to replace dilapidated infrastructure and improve water provision, particularly because only one tanker is currently serving the whole community.
Other participants stressed that passing legislation would only make a difference if it resulted in tangible improvements to water services. Ms Mikie Serame from Bushbuckridge said she supports the Bill but wants to see it implemented without unnecessary delays. “We are hopeful that this Bill is not just promises but will result in quality service delivery.”
For residents, the public hearings provided an important opportunity to put their concerns directly before lawmakers. Their participation also highlighted the importance of communities being involved in the law-making process, particularly when legislation has a direct impact on their daily lives.
Closing the meeting, portfolio committee member Mr Visvin Reddy said communities have an important role to play in holding municipalities accountable for inadequate water services. Mr Reddy expressed shock at reports that elderly residents are sometimes forced to wait for water tankers that fail to arrive, while some residents have to walk long distances to access water.
He said the situation was unacceptable, particularly in areas where water resources are available. “There is no use saying water is life, yet people don’t have water.”
Reddy urged residents to hold the government structures closest to them accountable when services are not delivered.
The committee's public participation process in Mpumalanga will continue, with further hearings scheduled for Witbank and Ermelo.
For communities across Enhlanzeni, the message to lawmakers was clear: support for the Water Services Amendment Bill must translate into reliable water supplies, improved infrastructure and meaningful accountability from municipalities.
Malatswa Molepo
17 August 2026
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