David Mahlobo Condemns Vandalism Threatening Water Supply in Qunu

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo has expressed deep frustration over the continued vandalism of critical water infrastructure in the Eastern Cape, describing it as a major obstacle to improving service delivery in rural communities. The damage, he said, is “crippling water supply efforts” and undermining years of government investment meant to ensure clean, reliable water for residents.

High-Level Visit to Address Service Delivery Gaps

Deputy Minister Mahlobo accompanied Deputy President Paul Mashatile to Qunu Village in Ward 19 on 2 October 2025, where they inspected the Qunu Noyiya Water Scheme — a major project intended to serve surrounding rural households. The visit formed part of the Deputy President’s two-day oversight programme focused on addressing service delivery challenges in the region, particularly in water and sanitation infrastructure.

The inspection aimed to evaluate ongoing challenges, monitor progress in water supply restoration, and ensure that the newly constructed Qunu Reservoir fulfills its purpose of providing sustainable access to clean water for the community.

Reservoir Operations Disrupted by Vandalism

Mahlobo reported that the Qunu Reservoir had been rendered inoperative for several months following acts of vandalism targeting two critical boreholes that feed into the system. “This damage has significantly complicated efforts to deliver services to local communities,” he said, stressing that the consequences are being felt most by families already facing water scarcity.

He confirmed that one of the boreholes has been repaired, now pumping 500 million litres per day (mgl/d) into the reservoir. The reservoir itself distributes approximately 0.1 mgl/d to Qunu households, partially restoring supply to the area.

“The collaboration between the district and local municipalities, alongside the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), has revealed that the main cause of the vandalism is the lack of adequate security around these installations,” Mahlobo explained.

The second borehole, situated in Mqanduli Village, remains under repair but is expected to be fully operational by 10 October 2025. Once repaired, it will stabilize the overall water pressure and ensure uninterrupted supply across the region.

Government’s Response: Security and Awareness

Deputy Minister Mahlobo said that the vandalism of water infrastructure is not only a financial burden but also a threat to community health and safety. “The ongoing vandalism of water infrastructure is crippling service delivery and putting lives at risk,” he warned.

To mitigate the situation, the Department has introduced enhanced security measures in high-risk zones, including the installation of perimeter fencing, improved lighting, and the deployment of security personnel. In addition, public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate communities about the importance of protecting public infrastructure.

The Department is also working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prevent further acts of sabotage. Mahlobo noted that several arrests have been made in similar cases across other provinces, sending a clear message that tampering with essential infrastructure will not be tolerated.

Community Engagement and Long-Term Solutions

Following the inspection, Deputy President Mashatile and Deputy Minister Mahlobo met with residents to discuss the current state of water services and explore sustainable solutions. Community members raised concerns about the frequency of water interruptions, slow response times to repairs, and the lack of maintenance at rural water facilities.

In response, Mashatile reaffirmed government’s commitment to accelerating water projects and improving coordination between municipalities and national departments. “Our goal is to ensure that every household in Qunu and across the Eastern Cape has consistent access to safe drinking water. This requires both accountability and partnership,” he said.

Mahlobo added that lasting change will depend on collective action — urging residents to take ownership of public assets, report acts of vandalism, and work hand-in-hand with local authorities.

“Protecting water infrastructure is not only a government responsibility but a community duty. When these systems are destroyed, it is the people who suffer most,” he said.

A Call for Shared Responsibility

The Qunu visit underscored the urgent need for integrated planning and community participation in maintaining water systems. As the government pushes forward with its water security agenda, the message was clear: safeguarding infrastructure is essential to achieving equitable and sustainable service delivery across South Africa’s most vulnerable regions.