RESIDENTS of a drought-stricken village in Tzaneen were over the moon when they got water out of taps for the first time yesterday.

Hundreds of GaTshulus villagers sang and danced after water came out of the taps.

"We never thought a day would come when we would have access to water a few metres from our homestead," said Mamoyahabo Motloutsi.

The residents praised government official Othaniel Mushwana for changing their lives for the better.

Like many other villagers, Motloutsi would wake up in the wee hours everyday to queue for water at a communal fountain in Makgobaskloof.

Johanna Seloise, who works at a farm in the area, said she has always been in trouble with her boss who accused her of being late for work.

Seloise, who did not take part in the April government general elections, citing empty government promises, now has a change of heart.

"I can't wait for the local government elections to vote for the right party," she said.

According to Mushwana, very few villages still encountered water shortages in the area.

He said in places where there was urgent need of water supply, the municipality delivered water in tanks using mobile trucks.

"We have also worked in close cooperation with the Mopani district municipality to drill for water in places where there was none," he said.