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For almost three years, the residents of Hertzogville in the Tokologo Local Municipality have been struggling with a consistent supply of fresh water. The pumps frequently break down or are stolen, preventing the proper distribution of water.

Hertzogville's water is pumped via a pipeline from the Christiana River. However, there are frequent issues with the pump, such as burning out or power being cut off due to incorrect payments. In the meantime, water is supplied from boreholes, but this is insufficient to meet the needs of all residents in Hertzogville and Malebogo. Borehole pumps also often fail or have their cables stolen, placing significant pressure on the municipality and incurring substantial financial costs.

Water is brought in by truck, and sourced from a resident. It can take up to three days to fill dam levels using water trucks before water is distributed to residents, and even then, it is not enough to supply everyone. Some residents have been without water for days, while others receive water for only 30 minutes a day, forcing them to purchase water at great financial expense. A recent decision to implement a "flat rate" for water, due to the lack of pre-paid meters and conventional meters still in use, has sparked significant complaints from residents who feel they are being charged for water they are not receiving.

The council recently applied for assistance from the Department of Sanitation and Water, and we are still awaiting a response. An additional "booster pump" must be installed along with the repaired pump, but this will not be available until late September or mid-October, meaning residents will continue to face water problems until then.

The shortage of fresh water has severely impacted businesses and schools, leading to hygiene issues. The shortage of workers exacerbates the situation, as the same individuals responsible for fetching water also handle garbage disposal and other basic services. The community is currently monitoring the situation and is preparing to submit a complaint to the Human Rights Commission.

The DA strongly condemns this negligence and calls on the community to unite and stand together. The priority must be to ensure the restoration of basic services and resolve the water crisis promptly.

Issued by Johann Steenkamp - DA Councillor Tokologo Local Municipality