The Department of Health in Limpopo have confirmed that five hospitals in the Vhembe District face dire water shortages due to community protests around Thulamela municipal area.

The Limpopo hospitals affected by water shortage are Tshilidzini, Donald Fraser, Louis Trichadt, and Malamulele. The protesting communities have allegedly destroyed water infrastructure leading to these facilities. They have reportedly also closed the Nandoni Dam which is the main water source since Monday 22 May 2023.

HOSPITALS FACE WATER SHORTAGE

“Due to the closure of the dam, delivering water through water tankers to the hospitals will not be possible,” said the department.

The department further raised concerns that the closure of the dam and the destruction of infrastructure coincides with the scourge of cholera that is confronting other provinces of the country.

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“The department is working with all stakeholders to try and prevent the disease. But community-induced water shortages will compromise the efforts.

“The department wishes to request community members to be considerate when venting their service delivery frustrations. The blocking of water supply inconveniences healthcare service delivery with the potential for dire service delivery.”