Note to editors: Please find attached the English soundbite by Cllr Irene Rugheimer and Sesotho from Jafta Mokoena MPL.
Since the beginning of May, the residents of Larola and Kanana in Clarens, Dihlabeng Local Municipality, have been experiencing significant water shortages, with little to no water supply almost every afternoon and beyond. The reservoir responsible for supplying these areas has not had sufficient time to fill up, a situation exacerbated by an apparent increase in water consumption compared to previous years.
In response to these challenges, the Unit Manager and his team have diligently checked for leaks within the system, yet no significant leaks have been identified. Additionally, an inspection for airlocks was conducted, but this too failed to resolve the persistent water issues. Despite efforts, there remains no accurate measure to determine whether all the water being pumped reaches the reservoir.
To address the situation, the water department has decided to replace the existing pump in the hope that this will enable the reservoir to fill more quickly, thereby alleviating the problem. As part of the interim measure, the water supply is often closed off during the day to allow the reservoir to fill up with sufficient water for the residents. While this strategy aims to mitigate the issue, it has led to increased frustration among residents who are already coping with frequent water shortages.
Adding to the community’s concerns is the upcoming Lesotho Highland Water Project shutdown period. With the existing water challenges, residents are worried about the compounded effects of this shutdown on their already strained water supply. Although residents have continually requested an update on the plans for the shutdown, the only reply they have received is that the project is proceeding as planned, without any further details.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) acknowledges these concerns and is actively seeking solutions to ensure that Clarens can manage its water resources effectively during this critical period. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. We remain committed to working with the relevant authorities to find a lasting solution to these water challenges and to ensure that the residents of Clarens have access to a consistent and sufficient water supply.