Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estelle Dansey and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matjhabeng has submitted questions to Council about the ongoing water crisis in Residensia, Odendaalsrus, and will engage the relevant authorities to secure the immediate restoration of a reliable water supply for affected residents.
We demand an immediate and clear action plan from either Matjhabeng or Vaal Central Water detailing how full water pressure will be restored to Residensia.
Residents of Residensia in Odendaalsrus have been without water for more than 12 consecutive days, leaving households without access to this basic and essential service.
Despite the matter being reported repeatedly, I have received no feedback from Vaal Central Water. The only response received from Matjhabeng Local Municipality has been that water pressure is “low.” This response is wholly inadequate, particularly given that no tangible effort has been made to restore sufficient water pressure to residents’ homes.
During these nine days without water, a water tanker has been dispatched to the area only twice. This is grossly insufficient, especially under extreme heat conditions and considering residents’ basic daily needs, including cooking, sanitation, bathing, and washing. Residents have been left without answers, assistance, or any sense of urgency from the responsible authorities.
This prolonged lack of service delivery, coupled with the absence of meaningful communication and empathy from both the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and the Vaal Central Water, is unacceptable.
The continued use of “low water pressure” as an excuse for sustained service delivery failure will no longer be accepted.
We will also continue to engage with residents and follow up relentlessly until this matter is resolved.