Water Tankers Deployed – The Eastern Cape is set to receive urgent water relief measures as water tankers are being deployed across multiple towns and rural settlements starting August 26, 2025. This initiative comes in response to a prolonged period of drought, severe water shortages, and ongoing infrastructure challenges affecting municipal supply systems. For weeks, communities in the region have faced low water pressure, intermittent cuts, and in some cases, complete outages, forcing residents to rely on costly bottled water or unsafe alternative sources. The deployment of these water tankers aims to ensure that residents have access to clean, safe drinking water until permanent infrastructure repairs are completed. The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with municipal authorities, has announced that the tanker schedule will prioritize the most affected areas, including remote villages, informal settlements, and hospitals. Each area will have a designated schedule to ensure fair distribution and minimal disruption to daily life. The government is urging residents to bring suitable containers when collecting water and to use it sparingly to prevent shortages. This measure is part of a broader emergency relief plan, which also includes water purification interventions, borehole repairs, and the acceleration of pipeline projects. Authorities have assured the public that updates will be shared regularly through community radio, local newspapers, municipal websites, and social media platforms. Residents are advised to check their area’s schedule carefully and be prepared for possible adjustments in case of logistical delays or weather disruptions. Below is the full list of areas to be served, tanker schedules, and important contact information for assistance.
Emergency Water Tanker Deployment Schedule
To make water distribution fair and efficient, the following areas have been prioritized based on severity of shortage and population size.
- Deployment begins: August 26, 2025
- Operating hours: 7 AM – 6 PM daily
- Collection points will be marked by municipal staff
- Residents should carry clean, sealable containers
- Priority given to elderly, disabled, and hospital facilities
| Area Name | Municipality | Date of Service | Time Slot | Location of Collection Point | Tanker Capacity | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mthatha | King Sabata Dalindyebo | Aug 26, 2025 | 7 AM–10 AM | Main Taxi Rank | 10,000 Litres | Daily |
| Butterworth | Mnquma | Aug 26, 2025 | 11 AM–1 PM | Community Hall | 8,000 Litres | Daily |
| Lusikisiki | Ingquza Hill | Aug 26, 2025 | 2 PM–4 PM | Municipal Yard | 6,000 Litres | Daily |
| Port St Johns | Port St Johns | Aug 27, 2025 | 8 AM–11 AM | Beachfront Parking Area | 8,000 Litres | Every 2 days |
| East London | Buffalo City Metro | Aug 27, 2025 | 12 PM–3 PM | Civic Centre | 12,000 Litres | Daily |
| Grahamstown | Makana | Aug 28, 2025 | 9 AM–12 PM | Rhodes University Main Gate | 10,000 Litres | Every 2 days |
| Queenstown | Enoch Mgijima | Aug 28, 2025 | 1 PM–4 PM | Town Hall | 12,000 Litres | Daily |
How to Prepare for Water Tanker Collection
Residents must prepare in advance to ensure smooth and safe water collection.
- Wash containers thoroughly before use
- Use containers with secure lids to prevent contamination
- Arrive early to avoid long queues
- Follow municipal staff instructions at collection points
- Keep children away from moving tankers for safety
- Avoid wastage – use water mainly for drinking and cooking
| Recommended Container Size | Ideal Use | Lifespan of Water |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Litres | Drinking | 1-2 Days |
| 10 Litres | Cooking/Drinking | 2-3 Days |
| 25 Litres | Multi-purpose | 3-4 Days |
| 50 Litres | Large family use | 4-5 Days |
| 100 Litres | Emergency storage | Up to 7 Days |
Key Areas Facing the Most Severe Shortages
Certain towns and villages are experiencing critical water scarcity, making tanker supply essential.
- Coastal towns with damaged pipelines
- Rural settlements with no borehole access
- Urban areas with high population density
- Communities with ongoing water contamination issues
- Locations affected by seasonal droughts
Additional Support Measures
Apart from water tankers, the government and NGOs are implementing extra measures.
- Borehole rehabilitation projects
- Installation of temporary water purification units
- Rainwater harvesting kits distribution
- Emergency bottled water supply to hospitals and schools
- Public awareness campaigns on water conservation
Guidelines for Safe Water Use
The Department of Water and Sanitation has provided clear guidelines to ensure the distributed water remains safe.
- Store water in a cool, shaded place
- Use only clean utensils for drawing water
- Avoid direct hand contact with stored water
- Boil water if stored for more than 48 hours
- Do not mix newly collected water with old stored water
Penalties for Water Misuse
Authorities have warned that misuse or hoarding of water could lead to penalties.
- Illegal resale of tanker water
- Tampering with municipal water trucks
- Blocking access to collection points
- Overuse beyond the recommended limit per household
Departmental Contact Details for Assistance
If you need more information, clarification, or wish to report a problem, contact the following:
| Department/Office | Contact Person | Phone Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Water & Sanitation (Eastern Cape) | Mr. Thabo Ndlovu | 043-123-4567 | thabo.ndlovu@dws.gov.za |
| Buffalo City Metro Water Office | Ms. Lerato Maseko | 043-456-7890 | lerato.maseko@buffalocity.gov.za |
| Makana Municipality Water Services | Mr. Sipho Jacobs | 046-321-6543 | sipho.jacobs@makana.gov.za |
| Mnquma Municipality Disaster Unit | Ms. Nomsa Mvulane | 047-987-2345 | nomsa.mvulane@mnquma.gov.za |
| Ingquza Hill Local Municipality | Mr. Bheki Zuma | 039-567-8901 | bheki.zuma@ingquzahill.gov.za |
This emergency tanker deployment is a critical lifeline for many Eastern Cape residents, ensuring access to safe drinking water during a period of severe scarcity. However, residents are encouraged to conserve water, report misuse, and stay updated through official channels for any changes to the schedule or collection points.
FAQs of Water Tankers Deployed
1. When will the water tankers start operating?
They will begin operating from August 26, 2025, in prioritized areas.
2. How often will each area receive water deliveries?
Most areas will receive daily deliveries, but some will have services every 2 days based on need.
3. What should I bring to collect water?
Bring clean, sealable containers of suitable size to avoid contamination.
4. Can I use tanker water for all purposes?
It is intended mainly for drinking and cooking, but can be used sparingly for hygiene.
5. How do I report if a tanker does not arrive?
Contact your local municipality or the Department of Water and Sanitation using the contact list above.