Water crisis persists in Kubake despite new infrastructure

RETHABILE MOHONO

Mohale’s Hoek — After years of struggling with water scarcity, villagers of Kubake thought relief had finally arrived with the installation of water taps throughout the community. However, their hopes have been dashed as the taps remain dry during the day, forcing residents to brave dangerous midnight outings in search for water.

Kubake, historically inhabited by the San and later settled by the Baphuthi in the late 18th century and is rich in cultural heritage, now grapples with an escalating water crisis. The village’s taps, installed to alleviate their hardships, have not provided the expected relief, leaving villagers to access water only during the night. This has become increasingly perilous, particularly for vulnerable residents, such as 59-year-old Nancy, who lives alone.

“I am a woman staying alone, and it’s not safe for me to go outside at midnight to fetch water,” she shared during an interview this week. “There are many killings happening, mostly to women, and I don’t want to become a statistic because of water.” The dire water situation has persisted for over four years, worsening recently due to severe drought conditions that have left many local water sources dry. Villagers have resorted to begging for water from neighbours, and many rely on contaminated sources, risking their health. Nancy recounted a recent three-week stretch without any water, forcing her to travel long distances to access a broken pipe.

Attempts to address the crisis with the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) have proven fruitless. Nancy stated, “They tell us there’s a lack of water in the Makhaleng River. Sometimes, they promise to come and assess the situation, but they never show up.” The water crisis extends beyond Kubake, affecting communities throughout Lesotho, a country that paradoxically has abundant water resources. Reports have highlighted the terrible state of water access in Lesotho, where even significant projects like the Katse Dam fail to provide reliable supplies to local communities.

International media have painted a grim picture, indicating that many residents still depend on spring water, often contaminated. Villagers report health issues, with children suffering from stomach ailments attributed to dirty water. “Sometimes when you come to the water, you see little worms, but we still drink it because we have no choice,” one villager explained. Compounding the issue, much of Lesotho’s water is diverted to Gauteng, South Africa, which faces its own water challenges. Johannesburg, the largest city in the world not built on a water source, is increasingly struggling with dwindling supplies due to a combination of population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate change.

Professor Anja du Plessis, a water management expert, noted the unsustainable nature of current water demand, pointing out that a significant portion of water does not reach consumers due to neglected infrastructure.

As the villagers of Kubake continue to navigate their daily challenges, the hope for a sustainable water solution remains elusive. Their plight underscores the urgent need for comprehensive water management strategies that prioritise local communities alongside broader regional demands.