Residents had been without water periodically for three-and-a-half years.

THE Pretoria High Court yesterday granted AfriForum an urgent order against the Vhembe district municipality, forcing it to supply water to residents of Makhado.

This is likely to set a national precedent, compelling municipalities to supplying water and general service delivery. "This is a big victory for us," AfriFforum's lawyer, Werner Human, said.

They had asked the municipality to provide water to the residents of Makhado, formerly Louis Trichardt, as the mandated water provider, Human said.

But the municipality had ignored the request.

Residents had been without water periodically for three-and-a-half years, but the situation matters got worsened in the last few months.

Human said they met the municipality on Monday to decide the order's terms.

"This order forces the Vhembe municipality to do their work.

"AfriForum will monitor the adherence to the time frames set out in the order and keep up the pressure on the municipality.

"The order sets a national precedent for supplying water and service delivery in general as the order commits the municipality to reporting progress."

Chairman of AfriForum Makhado Wally Schultz said: "I think it's a landmark case and it sets a precedent for municipalities nationwide".