Cogta Eastern Cape MEC Zolile Williams is today (17 April 2026) attending an urgent meeting in Umtata to resolve the pressing problem of water service delivery protests in Mqanduli. The communities in Mqanduli are up in arms and are demanding water and seamless sanitation services.
There is a serious water interruption in New Rest, Maqomeni and Makhenkesi. There is a problem of sewer spillage in Makhenkesi. The schooling programme has been interrupted. The water problem started in February 2026.
The communities are demanding the resealing of the access roads in Ngcanasini village, Maqolweni. The project will commence in July 2026. Ward 28 and 29 problems will be resolved in July 2026. The 2025 heavy rain disasters damaged several roads and contributed to the infrastructure collapse. But government is seized with all the challenges and is addressing them.
There is an element of criminality in Umtata, people are deliberately vandalising the electricity transformers. Zimbabweans are mostly involved because nine (9) arrested people are Zimbabwean nationals. The thugs are felling big trees and close the roads. Sabotage of the state is part of the ignoble plan.
The town of Mqanduli was closed for almost a week. The turmoil is driven by individuals who have evil intentions (sabotage) against the government.
 
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