The residents of Qwaqwa, a town in the Free State province of South Africa, need comprehensive measures to address the problem of water scarcity in the region.

Development Diaries reports that more than 140,000 families in the region struggle to get any tap water at all or very little water.

According to a report by GroundUp, around 90 villages with over 140,000 homes in Qwaqwa have taps that are either completely dry for months on end or only rarely filled with water.

The water scarcity in Qwaqwa presents a pressing challenge that significantly impacts the lives of its inhabitants.

Qwaqwa grapples with severe water shortages due to a combination of factors, including erratic rainfall patterns, population growth, and inadequate infrastructure.

Also, the region’s mountainous terrain further complicates water accessibility and distribution, making it particularly vulnerable to droughts and water stress.

As a result, communities in the area often face daily struggles to secure enough water for their basic needs, leading to compromised hygiene, sanitation, and agricultural productivity.

We understand that in some villages, including Kudumane and Poelong, taps have water only once a month, and the municipal water tanker also only comes monthly, leaving more than 20,000 households struggling with minimal water supply.

Development Diaries calls on the Maluti, a Phofung Local Municipality authority, to implement immediate interventions for these communities, which include emergency water deliveries, the installation of communal water tanks, and implementation of water-saving initiatives.

We also urge the government to implement long-term measures, like ensuring investments in infrastructure development.

Photo source: GroundUp