Man digs well to try and secure water for community

By Thembi Siaga and Elmon Tshikhudo

Thonifhani Dzebu (25), from the water-scarce community of Tshifudi Tshikombole village in Limpopo, has taken bold action to secure water for his community by digging a well that is already more than 15 metres deep.

Growing up in a village of more than 3,000 households, where residents often share water with cattle, fuelled Dzebu's determination to create a solution for his community.

The village has four non-functional boreholes that have not operated for more than 25 years. Tired of sharing water with animals, Dzebu armed himself with a pick, shovel, and hammer, selecting a spot where he believed water might be found.

The digging started three months ago, and Dzebu has already surpassed the 15-metre mark. He uses a rope to get in and out of the well, with his sister and mother helping him when he needs to climb out.

“I have faced two rocks since I started and am now busy trying to break the second one, which seems big,” he said.

Despite the hard work and tough conditions, Dzebu remains focused on his goal: securing a water source for his community to reduce the need to share water with animals. He has already found some water, but it seems insufficient.

"This area has been without water for a long time, and it’s a serious challenge as we have to walk long distances to get a share of water with animals at the local river and fountains. This water is not even clean, and people might get sick,” he said.

Dzebu added that since he was born, he had shared water from small rivers and fountains with animals, as the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) had failed to supply the community with water. Residents said the village had a few taps but only received water about once a month. The source is a nearby dam, which they claim is unsafe.

When GroundUp visited the village on Saturday, 14 September, some residents were at a small river washing clothes. This water was also being used by thirsty cattle. Nearby, there was a small fountain used for drinking and cooking.

A month ago, residents embarked on a protest march, blockading roads and halting all activities and movement in the village. However, the protest has yet to yield any results, and their situation remains unchanged. This lack of water has been both challenging and frustrating for the community.

"We feel neglected by the government, and we are calling on them to remember us. The water in these small rivers is drying up due to the hot weather. Soon, we will be forced to go to the Luvuvhu River, where there are crocodiles that killed one of our own in 2022,” said resident Tshilidzi Ndou.

Dzebu is unsure how deep he will have to dig to reach a sufficient water supply. Khuliso Muvhango, founder of a local drilling company, Muvex Drilling, said it could take Dzebu a long time to reach the water table. “The minimum depth at which we have found water in Tshifudi is around 40 to 60 metres,” he said.

The local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho Collen Mashau, confirmed that the community is suffering because of the lack of water. “But this project might change our situation, and we are appealing for help to provide us with water,” he said.

Vhembe District Municipality spokesperson Matodzi Ralushai said the municipality planned to upgrade the Xikundu Water Treatment Works to increase the water supply to the village. He stated that the municipality had installed one new pump last week, and two pumps were currently operational. “The municipality is still waiting for two new pumps to be delivered, and we will repair the non-functional boreholes,” Ralushai said.

Date:28 September 2024

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