DWS investigates water shortages in Monontsha after 18 year drought

By Emily Setona

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), led by Free State Provincial Head Dr. Tseliso Ntili, conducted a site visit to Monontsha, a rural village in the highlands of QwaQwa, following community reports of water shortages that have persisted for nearly two decades.

Monontsha, located on the border between South Africa and Lesotho, is a high-lying area that has faced ongoing water supply challenges despite residents having taps in their yards. Community members have reported not receiving water for over 18 years, forcing them to rely on alternative sources for daily needs.

In a move praised by local leadership, Dr. Ntili initiated an investigation into the cause of the prolonged water unavailability. He directed both Vaal Central Water and MAP Water to assess the situation and determine the faults responsible for the village’s dry taps. Speaking on the urgency of the matter, Dr. Ntili said,

“The situation in Monontsha requires immediate attention. We cannot allow the community to continue without water. I have given clear instructions to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted, and in the meantime, we are engaging with the community on temporary solutions while the root cause is identified.

“Morena Lebenya Mopeli, a local traditional leader, expressed gratitude for the swift response by DWS.

“When we raised our concerns last week, I honestly thought it would take months before we saw any action. I am impressed that the Department has taken the initiative to come to the ground and engage with us directly,” he remarked.

The water crisis in Monontsha is part of a larger issue affecting various parts of QwaQwa, where infrastructure challenges and the region’s topography have hampered access to clean water for years.

While some areas receive sporadic water supply through tankers, this has not been a sustainable solution for many households, leading to frustration among residents.

Dr. Ntili reassured the community that temporary measures would be put in place to ease the burden while the investigation continues.

“We will not leave Monontsha without ensuring that there is at least a short-term solution in place,” he said.

Residents are hopeful that the latest engagement with DWS will finally lead to a resolution after years of being left without this basic necessity.

Meanwhile on the last leg DWS together with Vaal Central and Map steering committee visited Wilge treatment works to follow up on the reported case of shortage of chemicals at the plant.

According to Free State \’s communication manager Larry Grisp a conditional assessment was done and issues of mechanical and electrical have been identified with Intabazwe (Harrismith) most affected.