Emalahleni turn into a dry city

Dumisile Magagula

Date: 21st June 2024

Name: Dumisile Magagula 

Municipality: Emalahleni local Municipality 

Province: Mpumalanga 

 

Emalahleni turned into a dry city

 

The city of Emalahleni in South Africa is facing a serious water crisis. The main water source, the Witbank Dam, is running out of water and causing shortages for the local people. Prolonged dry spells, poor water management, and the impact of mining have made the situation worse. Some residents have gone without clean water for weeks, leading to health and money problems. The environment is also suffering, with worries about how the crisis is affecting local plants and animals.

 

We have asked several residents of Emalahleni about how the shortage of water has negatively affected them. Mrs Mtsweni from Ward 23 has mentioned that they have not been able to maintain cleanliness in their household, and they also overspend to purchase water from the nearby butcher to access clean water. She also stated that they have not seen the water tank, and the Municipality has not communicated with the residents about the underlying issue of water. 

 

Efforts to fix the problem have been held back by government problems and the lack of good infrastructure. While short-term help has been given, it hasn’t dealt with the main issues causing the water shortage. The gap between rich and poor in the area has made things even harder for some groups.

 

To solve the crisis, everyone needs to work together to find long-lasting answers that save water and distribute it fairly. The strength and togetherness of the people in Emalahleni shows that collective action can make a real difference.

 

The water crisis in Emalahleni is a big problem that needs attention and hard work to fix. It’s a reminder that everyone should have the right to clean water and that the region’s natural world needs protection. Only by working together can Emalahleni overcome the crisis and make sure there’s enough water for the future.