Mpumalanga's drought is so severe that some inmates at the Barberton prison have reportedly complained to prison management that they are not getting enough water.
Water supply at the facility had decreased since the drought hit the country last year, correctional services department acting regional spokesperson Messiah Hlungwani told a News24 correspondent.
The town relied on the local municipality for its water supply.
“Unfortunately, this has led to some offenders complaining as they are unable to use water any time of the day,” Hlungwani said on Tuesday.
The drought was so severe that Barberton might soon be without water. The levels of dams supplying the town had fallen from 61% to 6%, Hlungwani said.
Prison management was using water tanks to provide water for washing and cooking. This supply was being rationed.
The possibility of using boreholes at the prison was being investigated. Public works department engineers were analysing their condition and the water quality.
“We are expecting a clearance certificate and this will improve the current rationing of water supply," Hlungwani said.
Source: News24
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