Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Carina Serfontein and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See attached pictures here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Municipal Manager expressing serious concern over the ongoing water crisis affecting residents of Koppies Extension 5.
For more than three years, many residents, particularly those living in informal areas, have been without access to reliable running water.
This situation is unacceptable and reflects a continued failure in basic service delivery.
Residents have made numerous follow-ups with the municipality, yet there is still no clear communication or timeline indicating when a permanent solution will be implemented. The community remains frustrated and unheard.
Currently, water is being supplied through water trucks. However, this system is inconsistent and unreliable:
- Water trucks do not arrive according to a fixed or communicated schedule.
- Deliveries are often missed without explanation.
- At times, trucks break down, leaving entire areas without water.
As a result, residents are forced to walk long distances to collect water in buckets. In some cases, when access points are closed or dry, they are forced to walk even further, placing an unfair burden on already vulnerable households.
Access to clean, reliable water is a basic human right, not a privilege. The continued failure to provide this essential service undermines the dignity, health, and wellbeing of the residents of Koppies Extension 5.
The DA calls for urgent intervention and the following actions:
- Immediate implementation of a reliable and publicly communicated water truck schedule.
- Urgent repair and maintenance of water delivery vehicles, with backup capacity in place.
- Transparent and consistent communication with residents.
- Acceleration of plans to install permanent water infrastructure.
- Ongoing monitoring and accountability from the municipality.
Residents of Koppies Extension 5 cannot be expected to endure these conditions any longer. Immediate and decisive action is required.