Namada family in Ba turns to creek for water as mains supply remains disrupted

A family from Namada settlement in Ba has resorted to drawing water from a nearby creek as ongoing supply disruptions leave household stores depleted, a family member said. Mereoni Magiti, who lives with five others, described daily trips to the creek that have become part of the household routine while mains water remains unreliable.

“We did our washing early this morning,” Magiti said, describing the morning chore before the family set off on the 20-minute trek to the creek. Laden with laundry and plastic containers, the family makes the walk to refill what they can after an official advisory urged residents to store water for drinking and cooking when disruptions began. “When the advisory came for people to store water, we stored water for drinking and cooking,” she added, but noted that stored supplies are now running dry.

Magiti’s account highlights the practical strain on households forced to find alternate sources. The family of six carries containers back from the creek and manages basic washing and cooking needs, but the extra time and labour are adding pressure to already stretched daily routines. The 20-minute round-trip, often repeated more than once a day, is particularly burdensome when heavy loads are involved.

Beyond the physical toll, Magiti said the shortages have affected her employment. Employed in the restaurant industry, she has been forced to take time away from work because limited transport and the demands of collecting water make it difficult to meet job commitments. “I have had to take time off,” she said, linking the household water situation directly to lost income and reduced work hours.

Local residents have faced intermittent supply problems in recent weeks, and Magiti’s experience underlines how quickly a temporary advisory to store water can turn into sustained hardship once stored reserves are exhausted. Her family’s turn to the creek is presented as a stopgap while mains supply remains disrupted.

There was no immediate comment from utility authorities in Ba on the specific disruptions affecting Namada settlement or on any timelines for restoration. Residents like Magiti said they are continuing to manage with what they have, but indicated concern about how long the situation might last and the broader impact on livelihoods and daily life in the settlement.