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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality conducted an oversight visit to the Bethlehem Provincial Traffic Department premises, where a severe water supply issue was identified.

A 60-75 mm water pipe leading to the JoJo tank installed on the premises has been reduced to a 40-mm pipe. The water supply connection to the JoJo tank was made through a hydrant on the Department of Health premises.

Furthermore, the electricity on the premises trips whenever the booster pump is switched on, indicating a possible fault in either the electrical booster pump or the plug. As repairs or replacement of these components fall outside the municipality's responsibility, the Traffic Department must address this issue.

Despite the municipal water meter running, indicating that the Traffic Department is receiving water, the water supply pressure to the JoJo tank remains very low. While water is in the JoJo tank, there is no water supply to the taps within the Traffic Department, resulting in a lack of water in the department’s facilities. The hydrant on the premises also shows no water supply. It appears that the JoJo tank installation was done incorrectly.

Upon further inspection, two burst water pipes were found on the premises of the Department of Health, situated next to the Traffic Department. These leaks have been successfully repaired by the municipality.

After repairing the two burst pipes and an additional leak at the hydrant connecting the water supply to the Traffic Department, an assessment was conducted. While the water pressure improved slightly and water is now available in the department’s taps, the pressure remains insufficient. This is due to the non-functioning booster pump fitted to the JoJo tank and a leak in one of the water pipes leading from the JoJo tank to the premises. To fully restore the water supply to the premises, the Traffic Department must appoint a professional plumber to complete the necessary repair work.

The DA has submitted an urgent request to the Provincial Department of Police, Roads, and Transport to address this issue immediately. Restoring the water supply at the Traffic Department will prevent the daily early closure of department offices and stop the current water wastage caused by these unresolved issues.

Issued by Marius Marais - DA Councillor Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality