Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Tim Mpakathe and Afrikaans soundbite by Dulandi Leech MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will formally report the Mantsopa Local Municipality to the Free State Treasury and demand full accountability for the ongoing water crisis in Hobhouse and Dipelaneng, while continuing to pursue urgent remedial action to restore a safe and reliable water supply to affected residents.
Residents of Hobhouse and Dipelaneng continue to struggle to access water due to the municipality’s failure to comply with Department of Labour safety requirements. On 18 December 2025, labour inspectors conducted a health and safety inspection in terms of Section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. The municipality was immediately prohibited from operating the water treatment works because employees were at risk of fire and electrocution, the electrical installation was unsafe, and chlorine was not properly stored.
A report presented to Council on 29 January 2026 noted that the municipality had begun addressing the safety concerns. However, these measures proved insufficient, and the Department of Labour once again closed the plant on 6 February 2026. This repeated closure has left residents without a reliable water supply, creating serious hardship for households, schools and local businesses, and undermining residents’ constitutional right to access water.
The DA has requested from the Municipal Manager a detailed report on the R2 574 751.14 paid to the company appointed to refurbish the water treatment plant and municipal offices in Hobhouse and Excelsior. The municipality cannot continue to violate residents’ rights or ignore proper financial and administrative accountability.
In the meantime, the DA calls on the municipality to provide consistent and adequately resourced water tankering services to affected households until the plant is fully operational. Residents deserve access to safe, reliable water, and the DA will continue to exercise oversight, demand transparency, and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.