Over the years, we have had to contend with squatters, lengthy blackouts and crime in our neighbourhood. But not having access to water is the worst for me.
About four years ago we began experiencing water cuts. The reasons given varied: burst pipes; broken pumps or valves; the replacement of sections of infrastructure; and load-shedding.
The most brutal reason is that we are situated in a high-lying area and the water pressure is low, resulting in no water for days on end.
It is brutal because the city posts endless notices telling residents to consume water wisely. But we have no water to consume — whether wisely or not. There seems to be no resolution in sight, just empty promises from city authorities.
Is our plight falling on deaf ears?
It’s been 15 days since we last had water. There are four adults in our home, with five children whose ages range from 12 to newborn. If we are lucky, we get a trickle any time between 11pm and 5am — but without any notification. If you hear a creak in the cistern or a rumble in the water pipes and you are awake and fast enough, you can fill some bottles, which will last a few hours.
Sleep is a luxury as you need to constantly be alert, always listening for the sounds in the pipes or looking for a water tanker.
This dry stint started on September 29. The first time I saw a water tanker was on the fifth day.
Water tankers usually arrive late in the evening and residents are expected to run out in the dark before they leave.
We have to carry heavy buckets and bottles of water for long distances. It is not child’s play. When everyone is in a rush, how can we be sure the precious water is not contaminated by the dozens of hands on the hoses?
Coronationville incorporates an old-age village, the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital and at least three schools which do not have the luxury of Jojo tanks, so children are constantly sent home due to sanitation issues. These kids are missing out on valuable classroom time — one day is a day too many.
Maintaining hygiene is just about impossible. Throughout the neighbourhood there is a stench in the morning air. Thank goodness for bleach, toilet cleaners and other products that limit the smell and keep the flies away. Despite the heatwave, our doors and windows need to be kept shut to keep the odour out.
Bathing is a luxury. There are babies in my home and they come first. Then me, with a five-litre bottle — and I dare not spill a drop as water must be recycled to flush toilets or mop floors.
If and when our water returns, can Joburg Water please do what Eskom did — cut supply at specific times so we can plan?
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