Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See pictures here, here and here.
The Democratic Alliance has submitted questions to the Free State department of CoGTA and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) regarding the province’s water crisis. We will also launch oversight visits and submit formal complaints to the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding ongoing failures in Free State municipalities.
We note President Ramaphosa’s announcement of a R156 billion investment to address South Africa’s water crisis; we are deeply concerned that this commitment has not delivered any proactive planned improvements for the people of the Free State. Despite national promises and the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee, Free State municipalities remain in a state of collapse, with communities facing daily indignities and health risks from persistent water failures.
In Matjhabeng, some areas have lacked a reliable water supply for an unconscionable 18 years. Winburg in Masilonyana has endured a complete water blackout for eight weeks, leaving residents to fend for themselves. Letsemeng and Metsimaholo municipalities are plagued by relentless water shedding and constant interruptions, making daily life unbearable and undermining any hope of economic recovery or basic dignity.
The latest Blue Drop Progress Report confirms that the Free State has the second-highest proportion of high- and critical-risk water systems in the country, with 25 of 78 water supply systems classified as high or critical risk. Nearly half of the province’s water treatment works fail to submit basic flow-monitoring data, indicating a complete breakdown in operational management. Technical skills and maintenance capacity are sadly inadequate, and there is virtually no implementation of Water Safety Plans, leaving residents exposed to unsafe water and escalating health risks.
The lack of water directly undermines sanitation, compounding the risk of disease outbreaks and creating a major public health emergency. The DA will not stand by while Free State communities are denied their constitutional right to water and sanitation.
We demand that the Free State’s share of the R156 billion allocation be urgently channelled to the municipalities most in need, with transparent timelines and strict accountability. The DA will continue to fight for the people of the Free State until every tap runs and every community is restored to dignity.