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The continuous oversights done by the DA in Makhado has laid bare the little progress that has been made to address the residents’ water challenges.

During the oversights DA ward councillor, Pierre Smalle, revealed that the water flow from the Albasini Raw Water Treatment Plant to the reservoirs in Makhado is severely compromised:

There are water leaks leading to the treatment plant and no water meter was found at the raw water pump station;

Pumps at the raw water pump station are not automated to switch on when electricity outages are experienced and requires to be switched on manually;

There is only one motor pump in operation and no back-up motors connected;

The Chlorine tanks were non-functional, officials must administer chlorine by hand and no laboratory equipment was seen;

There was a room that contained hazardous materials along with general waste which poses health risks to staff and water consumers;

There seems to be no proper record taking as staff and officials rely on a A4 book with no definite readings or information,

Lack of proper security measures increase the threat of vandalism and;

Due to leaks on the line, load-shedding and making use of a back-up pump only, the Moukop reservoir, which is the main reservoir that provides water to Makhado/ Louis Trichardt Town, is never filled to more than 50% capacity.

The lack of water pressure results in certain streets not receiving any water.

Cash-strapped residents have been without municipal water since December 2022 and are forced to buy 1000 litres of water for R200; to add insult to injury some residents are still being billed for water by the inept Vhembe District Municipality.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)recently released a damning report on Access to Water and the Efficacy of Water Services Authorities in Limpopo wherein 26 recommendations were made.

The lack of effective maintenance on existing water infrastructure is a crisis in the making and needs urgent attention.

The DA will ensure that the SAHRC recommendations specific to Makhado municipality are implemented without delay.

Issued by Risham Maharaj MPL - DA Political Head for Makhado Municipality