Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Johann Steenkamp and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
For nearly 2 months, Hertzogville has been deprived of clean drinking water, while the community of Malebogo suffers the consequences. Eskom cut the electrical point in Christiana due to the municipality’s non-payment, leaving these residents without access to water from the Christina River. Despite paying R407,000 to Eskom, the municipality still owes over R8 million, resulting in the denial of their request to restore the electrical supply.
To make matters worse, the municipality’s response to the crisis has been far from satisfactory. The community is currently relying on a single water truck, which is inadequate, to meet the needs of all residents. Attempts to seek assistance from the Department of Water and Sanitation have resulted in vague promises of a generator, but no concrete action or communication has been provided to either the council or the community.
The potential solution of a generator is only a temporary fix, as it cannot operate 24/7 without incurring significant costs for fuel, maintenance, and repairs. Meanwhile, other essential services, such as refuse removal, are suffering due to a lack of resources and proper planning. The municipality’s yellow fleet is in dismal condition, with many vehicles deemed ‘unroadworthy’ according to the Auditor General’s report.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) cannot accept this level of poor planning and inaction. We write to the Mayor and MEC for Finance, Gadija Brown, to intervene immediately, address the community, and present tangible solutions. Clean and regular water is not a luxury; it is the constitutional right of every citizen, and we are determined to ensure that the community of Hertzogville and Malebogo receives the services they deserve.