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While most Kimberley residents have been struggling with intermittent and dirty water flowing through their taps since the latest Sol Plaatje water crisis unfolded on Friday, a leaking water pipeline from Riverton has created a dangerous and growing dam in the veld at Platfontein.

Children were seen swimming in the freshwater pools over the weekend (see pic here), while the upper end of Platfontein has been affected with subsequent water shortages.

The Democratic Alliance is concerned that people continued to be denied access to water but, in this case, we are even more concerned for the safety of the children, who play in the water unattended.

This is not the first time that this pipe has burst. In 2020, the pipe was left broken for so long, that the dam grew to be much bigger (see pic here).

Aside from posing a hazard to the community, and especially the children, the dam is causing thousands of litres of fresh water to go to waste. Given that approximately 60% of Kimberley’s water is lost each year, we can ill afford this.

The DA has confirmed that a formal compliant has been laid with Sol Plaatje. We have made follow-up calls to respective officials to prioritise the fixing of this pipe and cordoning off the area. With the assistance of the community, I will also continue to monitor the water levels of the pools.

Water is a critical resource. Its high time that Sol Plaatje starts managing it responsibly.

Issued by The DA