Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Ian Riddle, Afrikaans soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here, here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will escalate the ongoing water and sanitation crisis in Mohokare to the provincial Department of CoGTA, requesting an urgent intervention plan. The DA will request immediate repairs to critical infrastructure, the provision of an interim water supply to critical facilities such as schools, clinics, and courts, and the establishment of clear timelines and oversight for all repairs.
The DA will also push for the appointment of a rapid-response team and the establishment of a resident feedback line to monitor progress and ensure accountability for service-delivery failures affecting clinics, schools, and courts.
From the 7th of January to the 6th of March 2026, the Matalekeng Clinic in Zastron was without water. The Zastron Public School was forced to close early on Friday, the 13th, due to a water shortage. The relatively new school, Mooifontien, has been struggling for more than three months with basic services that the Mohokare Municipality should provide. No water in their tanks means no drinking water and no functioning sanitation facilities.
In February, the Magistrate’s court was forced to close due to a lack of water. The sewerage was so badly backed up that the horrendous smell prevented the staff from continuing with the day’s business. This is a major health hazard for the public, learners and staff in all public buildings.
At the same time, the sewerage system in some areas is totally blocked and overflowing into neighbouring areas because the pumping station at the sewerage plant is not working.
Several schools in Mohokare Municipality have been forced to suspend extra lessons due to the health crisis in the area.
Burst water pipes, pouring out purified water, remain unattended to, with much-needed clean water joining the free-flowing sewerage from overflowing manholes, making some roads impassable. It is severe enough to warrant declaring it a disaster area. In all three towns, Zastron, Rouxville, and Smithfield, daily complaints from residents go unattended.
The crisis is about to explode. The residents of Mohokare deserve better. The health hazard is unacceptable to all residents of the Municipality.
The DA will work to restore reliable water and sanitation services and protect the health and dignity of all residents in Mohokare.