Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jose Coetzee and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
– DA demands accountability for R14 million spent.
– No feasibility study before outsourcing millions.
– Residents still face recurring water outages.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Setsoto will continue to monitor the Municipality’s planned procurement of its own water tankers, conduct oversight of expenditure on outsourced water tanker services, and seek full accountability for more than R14 million spent. In contrast, residents continue to face recurring water supply interruptions and unreliable service delivery.
In response to questions submitted to the Council, the Municipality confirmed that more than R14 million was spent on outsourced water-tanker services during the past financial year. According to the response, R12.88 million was paid to Mageza M Holdings and a further R1.19 million to Rankhethoa Construction.
These figures are deeply concerning at a time when residents across Setsoto continue to experience recurring water supply interruptions and ongoing service delivery challenges.
The DA has consistently questioned the affordability, sustainability, and necessity of the Municipality’s reliance on outsourced water tanker services. Millions of rands continue to be spent on recurring emergency measures rather than on long-term infrastructure solutions and on expanding the Municipality’s own fleet.
Perhaps most concerning is the Municipality’s admission that no feasibility study was conducted to determine whether procuring or expanding a municipal water tanker fleet would be more cost-effective and sustainable before more than R14 million was spent on outsourced services. This is despite the DA repeatedly raising the issue and calling for a long-term solution.
The Municipality further confirmed that only two service providers were utilised during the reporting period, with one contractor receiving the overwhelming majority of the expenditure. Residents are entitled to know whether value for money was achieved, how costs were assessed, and whether more cost-effective alternatives were properly considered.
The repeated expenditure of millions of rands on outsourced water tanker services, while underlying infrastructure challenges remain unresolved, has created a perception amongst many residents that some parties may be benefiting from a system that relies on recurring emergency interventions rather than permanent solutions. Whether justified or not, such perceptions can only be addressed through full transparency, accountability, and effective oversight.
The DA has already cautioned the Section 80 Infrastructure Committee that forecast El Niño conditions could place additional pressure on the Municipality’s water resources. This makes long-term planning even more critical. Rather than continuing to spend millions on recurring emergency water-tanker services, the Municipality should accelerate investments in sustainable infrastructure and water security measures to prepare for future drought risks.
It is therefore encouraging that the Municipality has now indicated its intention to procure its own water tankers and reduce reliance on outsourcing. However, this commitment comes after years of DA oversight and repeated calls for a more sustainable approach to water service delivery. The question remains: why were such interventions not prioritised sooner?
Emergency water tankers should be the exception, not the primary response to ongoing water supply challenges. Residents deserve reliable infrastructure, proper planning, and sustainable water services that reduce the need for costly emergency interventions.