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While frustrated Warrenton residents can hopefully look forward to improved access to water in the coming week, the Magareng water crisis should have been resolved sooner and must serve as a lesson in disaster management for local government.

Warrenton has been without piped water since 21 February 2023 after flooding caused damage to the pipeline under the river.

Aside from the significant inconvenience and damage caused to residents and local businesses, the floods have cost the municipality greatly. Invoices paid for the use of private water tankers over this period total over R620 000, after tankers provided by the Department of Roads and Public Works broke down. The emergency provision of free water to residents has also cost hundreds of thousands of rands.

The DA has been hands-on in monitoring the repair of the pipeline and facilitating access to water. We have intervened whenever necessary, and I have spent much time staying up to date on the progress made. This weekend, I conducted another oversight inspection to the river where the divers have started repairing the pipeline. Completion is estimated within seven days.

As this crisis finally draws to a close, the DA is calling for a review of the handling of the broken pipeline, and we will table a motion asking for a formal assessment to be initiated as soon as repairs are finalized.

Given the nature of a natural disaster, it is understandable that some matters are beyond the control of the municipality. From the very start, however, there were delays that could have been avoided with better planning. This includes contracting out repairs without considering all the necessary specs. In particular, delays cause by an inappropriate underwater camera had a knock-on effect on the fabrication of the pipes and the eventual completion of repairs.

Magareng further needs to evaluate its disaster management process in conjunction with Frances Baard District Municipality.

This is essential given that Magareng is currently experiencing a parallel water crisis due to the delayed completion of the new water purification plant, which also requires improved crisis mitigation going forward.

While disasters may not always be avoidable, the way in which local government manages these crises can save lives and livelihoods. Efficient and effective disaster readiness must therefore become an inherent part of Magareng municipality’s day-to-day functioning.

Issued by Willem Potgieter, Cllr - Magareng Municipality