Western Cape municipality running out of water

CAPE TOWN - With only one day of water supply left in the region, the Matzikama Municipality has been forced to ration supply to residents.

Ailing infrastructure and a damaged water pipe have led to the shortage.

Vredendal and Vanrhynsdorp schools, clinics, hospitals, Early Childhood Development centres and the general community have all been affected.

To get water flowing through the system again will take about five days.

In the interim, the Gift of the Givers has been called in to help fill the gap.

Truckloads of bottles of drinking water have been delivered to schools, clinics and residents in the area.

Residents say the lack of clean drinking water may cause a variety of health issues.

It’s estimated that 33,000 residents and 17 towns are affected by the water shortage.

* eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.