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A large crowd of people comprising of Makhanda residents, Rhodes University students, and staff, held a peaceful march to the Makana Municipality offices on Friday, to demand answers to the water crisis affecting the City.
According to the university, they have not had water for more than a week, which resulted in the institution having to deploy water tankers to services their kitchens, residences, academic buildings, and offices.
"Despite all these efforts, individual hygiene, health, and study conditions are affected and are increasingly at risk. Access to water and sanitation is an internationally recognised human right linked to an acceptable standard of living," said Christelle du Toit, Communications and Marketing Manager.
On Friday, the institution cancelled its academic program and students and staff marched to the Makana local municipality offices to raise their concerns.
Vice-Channcellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, said the people meant to ensure that service delivery was carried out in Makhanda, simply do not care.
"Our humanity and dignity have been trampled on by the municipality and that is not right," he said.
"We have had enough, we can't continue this way. We need to ensure that we have a government that puts people first. They must see to the delivery of basic services, which we pay for."
Mabizela added the institution is looking at ways in which they can steer away from being dependent on Makana municipality for water.
"We need a government that can deliver services not only to the university and schools but to the greater Makhanda community."
Makana Municipality municipal manager Pumelelo Kate told the local newspaper Grocott's Mail the electricity and water crisis is caused by employees striking over the non-payment of overtime wages.
