THE villagers have been without water for years and relied on a nearby river, which forced them to share with animals.
The villagers of Shongoane 3 in Lephalale, Limpopo, said they couldn't continue risking their lives by going to the Lephalale River to fetch water as it is infested with crocodiles.
Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane discovered the villagers had a water crisis in August during a visit and vowed to do something to help.
His party has now drilled a borehole and installed a tank and taps so the villagers can get clean running water.
Maimane recently handed over the borehole to the villagers.
The villagers were over the moon that they would no longer go to the river to fetch water.
“The river is dangerous, and the water is not safe to drink. We boil the water before any use. We're now happy that this will be a thing of the past,” said Molatelo Rangoato (40).
ALSO READ: Sangoma - Ex-Chiefs coach left muthi behind!
Another villager, Peter Molongwana (33), said their health was always at risk while using the water from the river.
“While we fetch water, others would be washing their clothes inside the same river. This was not healthy at all. We thank Maimane for rescuing us."
Others said they feared using the river water as izangoma and prophets performed their rituals at the river. The village has more than 500 households, and the borehole is set to cater for all of them.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Maimane said they try by all means to assist with the little they have.
“Water is a basic right. Without it, diseases spread, and theres no life,” he said.
He said Shongoane 3 is one of the forgotten villages.
“We wish we could do more, but we know that what we have given them will go a long way in ensuring that they get clean running water every day,” he said.
