Service delivery frustration boils over in Orlando West as special votes get underway without water
EWN visited Orlando west on Monday, where residents eligible for special voting are facing the added challenge of a lack of water.
Alpha Ramushwana
Footprints Hospice Voting Station in Diepkloof, Soweto on the first day of special voting.
Some communities in Soweto are heading to the polls with ongoing water shortages, with residents having to contend with dry taps on voting day.
EWN visited Orlando West on Monday, where residents eligible for special voting are facing the added challenge of a lack of water.
Residents have criticised the City of Johannesburg, accusing it of failing to ensure a reliable water supply to households.
Special voting got underway and will continue on Tuesday, while the rest of the electorate is expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday.
As EWN drove around Orlando West, what stood out were the scores of young people walking through the streets carrying empty buckets.
Residents said many of them were heading out to collect water after they had last seen water flow from their taps 4 days ago.
Mmapule Ramadibane, who is waiting for IEC officials to assist her husband with special voting at their home, questions how residents are expected to vote when they are thirsty.
"There is no water, our rubbish bins haven’t been emptied, but we’re still expected to vote? What are we actually voting for if we barely receive services? Government is failing us," said Ramadibane.
Special voting continues tomorrow.