KEI MOUTH - Residents across South Africa continue to grapple with crippling water infrastructure.
The problem is worse in the Eastern Cape, where summer has unusually dry weather.
This has resulted in dwindling water levels, with dams in Bedford and Kei Mouth reaching zero capacity.
Now, communities fear the province might experience its worst drought since 2021.
Residents of Kei Mouth have been told that only divine intervention could save them from their water crisis.
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The Cwili Dam is effectively depleted, and what's left is enough drinking water for cattle roaming nearby.
There are now calls for residents from the town and township to work together to preserve the little that's coming out from their taps.
The residents have established their own water crisis community.
They say they cannot leave everything entirely in the hands of municipal officials, as using water sparingly is the responsibility of everyone.
While Kei Mouth is on the Wild Coast, another town in the Eastern Cape is also struggling.
Bedford is bracing for a repeat of what happened a decade ago when Day Zero hit the farming community.
Authorities say the drought is but one of several water woes they are facing.
The Amathole District Municipality says several of its other dams are also dropping at a rapid rate.
It advises communities to use water sparingly or face tougher months ahead.
- eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.