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This water project started 20 years ago. But taps are still dry

Eastern Cape villagers say at least four contractors have worked on the Buthongweni Water Supply Scheme

Chief Mfanelo Mnatule says this tap installed in 2016 in Mntsholobeni village near Mthatha, Eastern Cape, has never seen water, and neither have the taps installed in 2009. Photos: Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik

Villagers near Mthatha say a water scheme started in 2006 has never delivered water to them, even though taps were installed between 10 and 17 years ago.
Residents say at least four contractors have worked on the Buthongweni Water Supply Scheme.
The OR Tambo District Municipality says the project faced contractual, technical, electricity and community-related problems.
The municipality says the scheme is now operating on a rationing schedule, but GroundUp found dry taps. Villagers said they still rely on untreated water.

A water scheme that began 20 years ago…

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