Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jessica Nel and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
The DA calls for immediate repair of major water leaks and urgent implementation of monitoring systems to address the crisis facing Matjhabeng residents.
A recent oversight revealed shocking levels of water wastage, while residents suffer from water shedding and prolonged periods without supply.
Matjhabeng’s failure to respond to massive water leakages is entirely unacceptable. In Ward 36, I identified several critical sites where clean water is being wasted daily:
- At the Thusanong District Hospital reservoir, thousands of litres of water have been running to waste for months. Although two expensive quotations were submitted to the provincial government, a simple, cost-effective solution involving JoJo tanks could have been implemented at a fraction of the price.
- In 7de Laan, a municipal non-funded housing project, a leaking connection point continuously spills water. A basic tap installation would resolve the problem, yet nothing has been done.
- In Hospital Park (Baron and Antimoon Streets), a massive veld leakage has poured clean water into gutters and storm drains for weeks without repair.
These examples reflect a wider pattern across Matjhabeng: leaks are ignored when no immediate solution is found, or responsibility is shifted between municipal, district, and provincial authorities. The result is enormous wastage of safe, costly drinking water, literally money down the drain.
Although a WhatsApp reporting group exists for councillors, officials, and Vaal Central Water, it is largely ineffective. Reports are ignored, accountability is lacking, and residents continue to be without water.
This neglect directly undermines the formal motion tabled by DA Cllr René Steyn earlier this year, which Council adopted. That motion called for:
- Rapid response to water leaks and burst pipes.
- Proper road restoration after pipe repairs.
- Capacity building in the Infrastructure Department.
- Regular reporting and accountability on water issues.
- Oversight by the Water Crisis Ad Hoc Committee.
Despite the Council’s adoption, the necessary measures have not been implemented, demonstrating the municipality’s disregard for its own commitments and duty to residents.
The DA therefore demands:
- Immediate deployment of emergency teams to address major leaks.
- A dedicated WhatsApp group focused solely on emergency leaks and bursts.
- Transparent monitoring of response times and repair progress.
- Escalation to provincial authorities where officials fail to act.
- Accountability enforcement for officials who neglect their duties.
It is unacceptable that preventable municipal mismanagement, not drought, causes water shortages. We will persist until Matjhabeng addresses the leaks and restores reliable water service to all residents.