Fochville demands end to 'disgrace' of months of no water

The Greater Fochville water crisis committee vows to continue with the fight to compel the authorities to restore the water supply in different areas within the Merafong city municipality on the West Rand of Gauteng.

- Masoka Dube

Areas within the municipality have been without water for eight months as the authority owes Rand Water R1.4 billion, which led to the water being switched off.

Some of the most affected areas, which have been without water for eight months, include Fochville, Greenspark and Kokosi.

The situation got so bad that some schools were last week forced to release the children early as there was no water.

A few days ago, the residents took their empty buckets, piled into 20 minibus taxis and went to Rand Water offices in Glenvista, Johannesburg, to protest and hand over a memorandum.

"We, the Greater Fochville water crisis committee, remain committed to fighting for the rights of our people and holding those responsible accountable.

"Our struggle continues until water is restored and service delivery is prioritised," said Elliot Mthembu, a committee member.