Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Irene Rügheimer and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will intensify its oversight by formally engaging the municipality to obtain outstanding water quality test results, demand clear timelines, and ensure decisive interventions are implemented to secure safe and reliable drinking water for the communities of Fouriesburg and Mashaeng.
This follows serious concerns raised in Council about reported water-related illnesses and persistent supply disruptions, which directly threaten public health and place additional strain on already vulnerable households.
Reports received approximately two weeks prior indicated that several residents in Fouriesburg had become ill, allegedly due to poor water quality. At the same time, communities such as Mashaeng continue to face persistent water supply challenges, further compounding residents’ hardship.
Given the seriousness of these reports, the DA sought clarity on the status of water quality, the interventions currently in place, and the timelines for ensuring consistent access to safe drinking water for all affected communities.
During the Council sitting, the Mayor addressed these concerns and outlined the steps the Municipality has taken to monitor water quality and safeguard public health. These comments were subsequently reflected in the municipal public notice issued later that same day.
While Council was still in session, the Municipality issued a public notice dated 29 January 2026 addressing the matter. According to this notice, following complaints related to stomach-related illnesses, emergency water sampling was conducted as a precautionary public health measure.
Water samples collected on 13 January 2026 were submitted to an independent SANAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The municipality has confirmed that the results show the water met the required standards, particularly for microbiological parameters, and is safe for human consumption.
The notice further states that the municipality is awaiting additional water-quality test results from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) following further sampling conducted on 14 January 2026. These results are expected to be communicated to the community once received. The municipality has assured residents that ongoing water quality monitoring will continue and that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard public health.
While the DA welcomes the fact that testing was undertaken and that laboratory results have been shared in the interest of transparency, it remains deeply concerned about the timing, communication, and broader context of these issues. For communities that have already experienced illness, uncertainty, and unreliable services, assurances must be supported by clear action plans, consistent communication, and defined timelines.
Access to clean water is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right and a basic service that residents are entitled to expect from their local government.