Eastern Cape Residents – The Eastern Cape has been rocked by a growing water crisis, as residents across multiple towns have reported brown, foul-smelling tap water pouring from their faucets. What began as isolated complaints has now turned into full-blown community protests, with people taking to the streets demanding answers and immediate action from their local municipality. This isn’t the first time such an issue has occurred in the province, but the current wave has seen unprecedented public anger—especially after an August 2025 municipal meeting where specific promises were made to rectify the issue. In places like Gqeberha, Mthatha, and rural parts of the OR Tambo District, many households have been forced to buy bottled water or walk kilometers to fetch clean water from rivers and tanks. Despite multiple media reports and public complaints, the problem has persisted for weeks, with residents citing health issues, school closures, and disrupted businesses due to contaminated water. The situation has pushed civil rights groups, health professionals, and opposition leaders to speak out, demanding transparency and accountability. A crucial meeting held in August with municipal authorities had given people hope. Officials promised urgent repairs, improved water quality monitoring, and weekly public updates. However, weeks later, most residents say they haven’t seen any tangible improvements. Below is a detailed look at the situation, what the municipality promised, the current reality, and the responses from officials and citizens alike.
What Residents Are Facing Daily: Water Quality Concerns Explode
Communities across Eastern Cape are struggling to cope with visibly brown tap water that smells of rust or sewage. Here’s a breakdown of what people are experiencing:
- Tap water in many areas runs brown, especially in the mornings.
- Complaints include bad smell, metallic taste, and presence of particles.
- Several schools have sent students home due to water-related illnesses.
- Public health clinics report increases in stomach issues and rashes.
- Rural communities face even more severe shortages and contamination.
- Emergency water tanks are often empty or arrive too late.
- Many residents are spending R300–R600 a month buying bottled water.
- Protestors have blocked municipal offices demanding water tankers.
Health Hazards Reported by Local Clinics and Doctors
Doctors in the province warn that the continued use of dirty water could trigger serious health consequences, especially for children and the elderly.
- Cases of diarrhea, vomiting, and skin irritation have increased.
- Clinics in OR Tambo and Joe Gqabi districts have seen a spike in waterborne illnesses.
- Chronic patients, especially those with HIV or TB, are at greater risk.
- Community health workers report that water is even being rationed at clinics.
- Contaminated water may increase cholera or hepatitis A outbreaks if left unresolved.
What Was Promised in the August Municipal Meeting?
In August 2025, the Eastern Cape municipal officials convened a public meeting to address the issue. These were the key promises made:
| Promise from August Meeting | Expected Timeline | Department Responsible | Status As of Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full water quality audit | Within 2 weeks | Water & Sanitation Dept | Delayed |
| Weekly public updates | Immediate | Communication Office | Not consistent |
| Repair of main pipes | 1 month | Infrastructure Dept | Ongoing |
| Deploy 50+ water tankers | 3 days | Emergency Services | Only 30 deployed |
| Hotline for water issues | Immediate | Customer Care | Still inactive |
| Community health camps | 2 weeks | Health Department | Yet to begin |
| Chlorination process upgrade | 10 days | Treatment Facilities | Delayed |
| Independent water testing | Weekly | Environmental Unit | Not implemented |
Where the Promises Fell Short: Accountability in Question
Despite these public declarations, the implementation has been patchy and slow. Residents feel betrayed as many promises remain unfulfilled.
- No weekly reports have been released on social media or official websites.
- The promised hotline is either unresponsive or non-existent.
- Only some areas received water tankers, while others were neglected.
- Health camps never materialized in affected rural regions.
- Chlorination systems remain outdated and underfunded.
Community Protests and Civil Society Reactions
Since mid-July, residents in areas like Lusikisiki and Zwelitsha have staged road blockades and sit-ins. Civil rights organizations have joined in support.
- Protestors demand resignations of key officials.
- Social media campaigns with hashtags like #CleanWaterEC are trending.
- NGOs like Gift of the Givers have stepped in with emergency relief.
- Local leaders blame “budget mismanagement” for delayed action.
Municipal Officials Defend Actions – Say Work Is Underway
In response to the backlash, municipal leaders have asked the public for patience. They insist that work is underway and challenges are being addressed.
| Official | Department | Recent Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Mandla Tembeni | Water & Sanitation | “We inherited an aging infrastructure that will take time to fix.” |
| Lerato Dlamini | Communication Dept | “Delays in tanker deployment were due to supplier shortages.” |
| Dr. Sibongile Mokoena | Health Dept | “Health camps were postponed due to funding reallocation.” |
| Xolani Mfeka | Infrastructure Head | “Major pipelines have already been repaired in 3 wards.” |
Areas Most Affected by Contaminated Water Supply
| Area Name | Status of Water | Water Tanker Frequency | Reported Illnesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gqeberha Central | Brown water | Twice a week | Moderate |
| Mthatha West | No water | Once a week | High |
| Lusikisiki | Brown + foul | Sporadic | High |
| Zwelitsha | Dirty water | Rare | Low |
| Butterworth | Intermittent | Twice a week | Moderate |
| Libode | Foul smell | Delayed | High |
| King William’s Town | Brownish flow | Daily | Low |
| Alice | Clean, but rare | Once every 3 days | Low |
Contact Details of Departments Responsible for Water Services
If you are facing issues or need urgent help, here are the contact details of the key municipal departments:
| Department | Contact Person | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water & Sanitation Dept | Mr. Mandla Tembeni | 043-701-2000 | waterhelp@ecmunicipal.gov.za |
| Emergency Tanker Services | Ms. Zinzi Mkize | 043-701-2205 | tankerdesk@ecmunicipal.gov.za |
| Public Health Dept | Dr. Sibongile Mokoena | 043-701-2500 | healthsupport@ec.gov.za |
| Infrastructure & Repairs | Mr. Xolani Mfeka | 043-701-2400 | repairs@ecmunicipal.gov.za |
| Communications Department | Ms. Lerato Dlamini | 043-701-2700 | media@ecmunicipal.gov.za |
Despite repeated assurances, the Eastern Cape’s water crisis continues to affect thousands of households. Until tangible improvements are made and regular communication is maintained, trust in local governance will remain fragile. Residents are hoping that this public pressure will finally bring the long-awaited change—and clean water—to every tap.
FAQs of Eastern Cape Residents
Q1. Why is the tap water in Eastern Cape brown?
It is mainly due to damaged pipelines, rust accumulation, and outdated purification systems.
Q2. Has the municipality admitted to the water crisis?
Yes, in the August meeting, officials acknowledged the issue and promised reforms.
Q3. Are any health risks associated with using this water?
Yes, there have been reports of diarrhea, skin rashes, and even hospitalizations.
Q4. Where can residents complain about poor water quality?
They can reach out to the Water & Sanitation Department via phone or email listed above.
Q5. Has the national government intervened yet?
As of now, only local municipalities are addressing the crisis; no direct national action has been announced.