lodge complaint button
commissioners button
programmes button
provinces button
publications button
calendar button
fraud hotline button

Elim's water woes continue

26 June 2021

A non-profit organisation (NPO) by the name of Vumbanani for Peace Building (VFP) has teamed up with communities around Elim in an effort to seek help from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Public Protector (PP) regarding the Vhembe District Municipality’s delay in providing water to the villages.

This approach was decided upon during a meeting held on 11 June at VFP’s offices in Elim. VFP has apparently had several meetings with Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) to get water supplied to all the villages around Elim, but says it seems that the municipality keeps delaying in taking action.

“VFP and the community have now resorted to seeking help from the SAHRC and PP in order for things to start happening. We will not rest until villages around Elim get water on both short and long-term supplies,” said VFP member Ms Tendai Chandigere.

Traditional leaders and residents from various local villages spoke to Limpopo Mirror about the water woes in their areas. “It is supposed to be our right to have access to clean water. The traditional council has tried several times to communicate with the water authorities, but all we ever get are endless promises. It has now been more than five years of battling the same problem,” said Vicky Muvhali from the Njakanjaka traditional council.

Condry Chabalala from Shikuhele Section B in Rivoni said, “I really am not sure when this water challenge began. There are no water taps or tankers delivering water in our area. We have to travel long distances to fetch water, and this really affects learners. Instead of relaxing after school, learners, who have to get ready for their night studies, have to walk far to fetch water for domestic use.”

Apparently, the boreholes in Mabedengwa are all broken. “It has been four months now since the boreholes broke. We’ve resorted to buying water from those who have their own boreholes, but some of the water is not very safe for drinking, having a yellowish colour,” said Rose Hlungwani.

 Source: Zoutnet

About us

Understanding PAIA

The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein

011 877 3600 (Switchboard)