At least 20 villages along the Metolong dam are still without the clean water despite being close to the dam. Area Chief of Boithatelo and Machache Chief Sekhonyana Seeiso Theko told the Agency on Wednesday that they had hoped that since the Metolong dam is close to them they will be the first ones to reap the fruits of getting the clean water but that is has not been the case.

He said they have approached the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) for assistance to supply the villages with water supply so that they could have taps in their villages. The Chief said one WASCO Officer promised to visit the area to familiarise him with the villages concerned but since then there is no sign of whatsoever that they will get water supply.

Chief Theko said even the health centre at Ha Molengoane is unable to help patients on other days due to water shortages.He also mentioned that Ratau Community Council offices at Nazareth experienced water shortages and were forced to rely on water bought from nearby filling station.

The Chief believed that if they have taps in their villages, it will be easy for them to warn the villagers to look after the Metolong dam but that at present they are unable to do so since it does not benefit them in any way despite having lost pastures and forestry for the construction of the dam. When contacted for comment, WASCO Public Relations Manager Acting Mr. Rethabile Lefantsatsa said the company is fully aware of the water scarcity at some of the villages around Metotolong.

He said the WASCO delegation has already visited the area in order to familiarise them with the villages, but confirmed that he was unable to meet with the Chief Theko on that day. Mr. Lefantsatsa promised to make a follow up to meet with the Chief so that he could give him updates on how far WASCO is with preparations to supply the villages with clean water supply.