By Gugulethu Jali
Tensions were high in the area of Amatikwe in iNanda as residents clashed over access to limited water supplies.
The area has been experiencing water cuts and severe water shortages. Water trucks started to deliver the water on Friday which leads to conflict as community members try to get to the scarce resource. “I was shocked to see my neighbours , people I’ve lived with for years fighting over water,” said resident Busisiwe Nzama.
Because of scarcity, residents end up pushing, shoving and fighting. Another local, Lungelo Mathaba, says those who aren’t fast to get to the water trucks end up not receiving any water.
Another resident, Nozipho Masinga says water cuts have turned friends into foes. “It’s heart-breaking to see our community torn apart by something as basic as access to water.”
Another resident, Sakhile Khumalo, urges his neighbours to be calm. “We urge the authorities to take immediate action to address the water shortage in Amatikwe. We cannot continue to live in a situation where our basic human rights are not being met.”
