5.2.1 Electricity and water supply were major challenges for the Eastern Cape centres visited. Power and water shortages were frequent. At the time of the visit there was no hot water at the Mthatha centre, and it was reported that at times there was no water at all. Of the cells visited at the Mthatha Medium centre, those in Units 2 and 4 had no water and toilets could not be flushed. The DCS explained that the water shortage was related to wall and plumbing defects that had been reported, and were being addressed. The region's maintenance manager explained that there was a standing order that all leakages should be attended to immediately. Where a centre's budget to do so had been exhausted, HCCs could apply to the region, whereupon funds are usually made available immediately.