Residents of New Forest in Bushbuckridge say they are forced to walk more than three kilometres every Wednesday just to access water at the main road. The community, which has been relying on this weekly supply for months, describes the situation as exhausting and undignified.
Water is released once a week, with households from the highway section receiving it at around 6 am. Those in the lower section only get their turn at about 11 am. Community members must ensure they are present on the day, as missing the Wednesday supply means waiting another full week.
Some arrive pushing wheelbarrows, carrying between 20 and 40 containers depending on the size of the household. “If you are not here on time, you don’t get water. There are no second chances,” said one resident.
In June, residents were promised water taps closer to their homes, but there has been no communication or visible progress since then. The community is now demanding answers, saying walking long distances in the heat, especially for the elderly and children, is becoming unbearable.
Locals say all they want is access to water with dignity, something they believe should not require a weekly struggle.
