Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Richard Khumalo, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Paseka Mokoena. See attached picture here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung will engage with the municipality to obtain a full account of the collapse of the Intabazwe Rising Water Project, while pressing for clear timelines, accountability, and an immediate plan to restore water service delivery.
The residents of Intabazwe in Wards 4 and 5 have once again been left in a state of uncertainty and neglect, as the much-publicised “Smart City” vision continues to collapse before their eyes. What was once presented as a transformative development initiative has now become a symbol of broken promises and poor planning, leaving communities without reliable water infrastructure and basic services.
It has now been confirmed that the main contractor responsible for the Intabazwe Rising Water Project has withdrawn from the site. This development follows ongoing challenges, including a lack of funding to sustain the project. The contractor’s withdrawal has effectively halted all progress, further deepening the crisis faced by residents who had hoped for long-overdue improvements to their water supply.
The repeated collapse of this project raises serious concerns about accountability, financial management, and the commitment of those responsible for delivering essential services.
Communities were given hope through the Smart City narrative, yet they are now facing worsening living conditions and no clear plan to complete the project.
We will conduct follow-ups with the relevant departments to obtain a clear, detailed update, ensuring that the community of Intabazwe is kept fully informed about the project’s status and the way forward.
Urgent intervention is required to restore confidence and ensure that residents are not abandoned.
The DA will continue to apply pressure to ensure that clear timelines, transparent communication, and decisive action are prioritised to revive the project and address the ongoing water crisis.