Residents in Mangaung have been experiencing water woes for the past few years. These ongoing water supply issues have forced people to seek alternative sources of water, often at a high cost. Those who can afford it buy water tanks or drill boreholes in their yards.
Bloemfontein Courant sat down with local plumber and water tank contractor, Annica de Villiers from Aqua Queen Plumbing, who has been in the water tank industry for the past three years. De Villiers said she has seen an increase in residents who want to install water tanks.
“More and more residents are opting for tanks as alternatives, even though it’s expensive. Since last year December, we have been contracted to install over 30 water tanks,” she mentioned.
De Villiers, however, cautioned that water installation comes at a very high cost, but ultimately residents are left desperate. “It’s expensive for us contractors to buy the tanks, the pumps, and everything needed to install the water tanks, meaning it’s expensive for the customer,” she said.
A few of the residents echoed the same sentiments, expressing their frustration with water issues in Mangaung.
Pellissier resident Ansie Botha said her life became easier after investing in a water tank, although it was a bit expensive. “We have been experiencing continuous water issues in Pellissier. We would wake up to no water in the morning, then days later there’s water. So I decided two years ago to just invest in a water tank. Our lives have been so much easier since then.”
Hannie Castelyn, from Fauna, said that given their situation, she was forced to invest in an alternative water supply.
“Last year we had so many water problems here in Fauna. We would return from work to no water at home and we wouldn’t be able to cook or shower. We were forced to go do that at someone else’s house and fill as many buckets as possible. And when there was water, it was dirty and could not be consumed. So now I am saving up to buy a water tank,” Castelyn concluded.
Clement Matroos
clement@mahareng.co.za
