CGE Alarmed Over Makhanda Water Crisis as Hospital Access Concerns Intensify

The Commission observed three boreholes on the hospital premises, which currently provide a degree of resilience against supply interruptions.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has called for urgent coordinated intervention to address deepening water shortages in the Makana Local Municipality, warning that the ongoing crisis in Makhanda is disproportionately affecting women, healthcare services and vulnerable communities.

The intervention follows mounting public concern over water access at Settlers Hospital, one of the key healthcare facilities serving residents in the Eastern Cape town, where recurring water disruptions have heightened fears over patient safety, sanitation and service delivery.

In response to the concerns, the Commission conducted an oversight visit to the hospital, engaging directly with management to assess the impact of the water crisis on healthcare operations and community well-being.

Hospital Operating Under Pressure Amid Infrastructure Failures

During the visit, the CGE met with the acting Chief Executive Officer and hospital matron, who detailed the operational challenges caused by recurring water interruptions linked to longstanding municipal infrastructure problems.

According to hospital management, the disruptions stem from ageing water systems, deteriorating infrastructure and outdated water mapping networks that continue to hamper reliable water distribution across Makhanda.

"At the recent meeting, hospital management informed the Commission that recurring water disruptions are linked to longstanding infrastructure challenges, including ageing systems and outdated water mapping," CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said.

Although water supply at the hospital was stable during the oversight visit, management confirmed that the facility regularly relies on emergency municipal water tanker support during broader town-wide outages.

The situation highlights the growing strain being placed on essential public services in municipalities battling chronic infrastructure decline, drought conditions and limited maintenance capacity.

Women and Mothers Bearing the Burden of Water Insecurity

The Commission expressed particular concern over the disproportionate burden the crisis places on women, especially within healthcare settings where caregiving responsibilities often fall heavily on female patients, staff and family members.

Baloyi confirmed that the CGE was informed about a recent incident in which women were reportedly forced to carry water within the hospital during a temporary supply interruption over a long weekend.

"The hospital responded immediately after being alerted, while mothers in the paediatric section reportedly fetched water from a borehole-connected tap during the disruption," Baloyi explained.

Human rights groups say such incidents expose the hidden social costs of collapsing municipal infrastructure, particularly for women who frequently shoulder the responsibility of securing water for households, children and healthcare needs.

Boreholes Offer Partial Relief but Capacity Remains Limited

The Commission observed three boreholes on the hospital premises, which currently provide a degree of resilience against supply interruptions.

However, officials indicated that the facility still requires additional pumping infrastructure to fully optimise water availability during emergencies.

"The CGE observed three boreholes on the premises, although additional pumping capacity is required to optimise supply," Baloyi said.

Despite the operational pressures, the Commission noted that the hospital maintained acceptable hygiene and sanitation standards across several critical healthcare units, including:

• Maternity wards

• Neonatal sections

• Nursery units

• Surgical theatres

Baloyi added that regular water quality testing continues to be conducted to ensure patient safety and minimise health risks associated with alternative water sources.

Drought Conditions Deepening Crisis in Makhanda

During discussions with the CGE, Makana Local Municipality officials reportedly acknowledged worsening drought conditions affecting Makhanda and surrounding areas.

The municipality informed the Commission that interventions are underway, including long-term plans to expand dam capacity and improve water security infrastructure.

However, residents and advocacy groups have increasingly criticised the pace of intervention efforts, arguing that water shortages have persisted for years without sustainable resolution.

Makhanda has repeatedly faced severe water supply disruptions over the past decade due to a combination of:

• Prolonged drought conditions

• Ageing infrastructure

• Pipe failures

• Poor maintenance

• Electricity disruptions affecting pumping stations

• Financial constraints within local government

The city's water challenges have become symbolic of broader service delivery pressures confronting municipalities across South Africa.

Constitutional Rights Under Threat

The Commission warned that continued water insecurity poses a direct threat to several constitutionally protected rights.

"Persistent water insecurity undermines the constitutional rights to dignity, equality, healthcare, and access to sufficient water," Baloyi said.

The CGE stressed that the crisis extends beyond infrastructure management and has become a gender equality and human rights issue, particularly where women and vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted.

Access to reliable water supply is considered essential not only for healthcare delivery but also for sanitation, education, food preparation and economic activity.

Rights organisations have increasingly linked water insecurity to broader social inequalities, particularly in historically under-resourced communities.

Oversight and Monitoring to Continue

Due to extended engagements during the oversight process, the Commission was unable to proceed with a planned visit to a local university also affected by water supply concerns.

However, the CGE confirmed that it will continue monitoring developments in Makhanda and surrounding communities as part of its broader oversight mandate on gender equality, public services and socio-economic rights.

"The CGE said it will continue to monitor developments related to water access and service delivery challenges in Makhanda and surrounding areas."

Analysts say the Commission's intervention may place additional pressure on municipal authorities and provincial government structures to accelerate infrastructure upgrades and improve emergency response mechanisms.

As climate pressures intensify and infrastructure systems continue to age, experts warn that water security is rapidly becoming one of South Africa's most urgent governance and public health challenges.