More schools to have water by end July

 “All schools will have sufficient water supply to receive their full complement of learners by the end of July.”

These are the words pledged by the Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Department to Parliament.

According to reports, 80% of water storage tanks and tankers carrying water were sent to schools in response to the Covid-19 pandemic measures.

However, water supplies to schools in Limpopo and KZN are still lagging behind.

The pandemic has intensified the need for a consistent and healthy supply of water.

“There are some people who have been living without water for years.

“They go to the nearest pond and when that dries up, they walk for kilometres with buckets on their heads in search of water.

“And, 25 years into our democracy, it is unacceptable and it is a shame,” said Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu.

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said in her televised address on Sunday concerning running water and sanitation in rural schools were highlighted. 

She said that 910 schools in the Eastern Cape had received proper sanitation support, along with 453 schools in Limpopo. 

According to the national water response team, all 2 724 targeted schools will have water by the end of July.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of clashes between communities and schools over water as residents invade school grounds to steal water.