Madibeng residents blame corruption and neglect for water cuts
A sociologist who studies the politics of water interviewed residents of Damonsville, Mothutlung and Mmakau in Madibeng, North West. She found that residents blame corruption and neglect, while officials point to ageing pipes, broken pumps and skills shortages.
The researcher asked residents how often the water stopped, how they coped and who they held responsible. Many said officials "eat the money" meant for repairs, and some said tankers reached favoured areas first. The findings come from an essay in The Conversation, not a peer-reviewed paper. She says the residents' claims are not verified fact, and the work covers only three communities.