Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Ntombi Mokoena, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Anelia Smit and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL
The Democratic Alliance in Phumelela has pressured the municipality to restore water to Ezenzeleni following a direct oversight inspection on 15 September 2026. Running water was restored within 24 hours of the DA escalating our findings to the Executive Mayor and Technical Director, providing immediate relief to residents. However, the inspection exposed serious infrastructure and maintenance failures that contributed to the two-week water crisis.
The DA’s on-site findings contradict the municipality’s explanation that the disruption was caused by an isolated cooling-system failure. An electrical control panel was found unbolted and exposed to weather and vandalism, while a replacement pump was lying disconnected on the ground. The primary pump pit also showed advanced corrosion and missing structural mounting components, pointing to prolonged maintenance failures.
For Ezenzeleni residents, these failures have a direct impact on daily life, disrupting access to water for drinking, cooking, washing and sanitation. Frequent and erratic disruptions indicate that this is not simply a once-off incident, but an ongoing service-delivery concern.
The DA will continue monitoring the water network and demand a clear maintenance and repair plan from the municipality to prevent further breakdowns. The DA will also use our oversight mechanisms to hold municipal leadership accountable for ensuring reliable water services. Residents and voters deserve functioning infrastructure, reliable basic services and transparent governance.