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Residents of Welkom, have endured a 10-day ordeal, left stranded and frustrated due to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality's failure to address a critical water leak. The failure to address these leaks denies residents their basic human right to water, creating a crisis where lives are at stake. The negligence of the municipality directly impacts the health, hygiene, and overall well-being of the affected communities, deepening the suffering of already vulnerable residents.

On 25 September 2023, a significant water leak in Koppie Alleen Road plunged the Sandania neighbourhood into crisis. Despite losing up to 56% of its billed clean water, amounting to approximately R324 million annually, the municipality has yet to address this issue. Additionally, a leak at Wedepohl Street, Riebeeckstad, has persisted since 17 August, wasting precious water for 49 days without intervention.

In stark contrast, a leak near the municipality's main building received immediate attention. This discrepancy highlights the municipality's lack of commitment to the welfare of its residents. The municipality's financial mismanagement, causing overtime disputes and worker strikes, has further delayed repairs, worsening the plight of innocent residents.

The DA urgently requested water trucks to provide interim relief, but this plea fell on deaf ears. We reiterate our call for immediate Section 139 provincial intervention. It is imperative to rectify the municipality's inability to fulfil its executive duties as mandated by the Constitution. Swift and decisive action is needed to safeguard the lives and well-being of our residents.

Issued by René Steyn - DA Councillor Matjhabeng Local Municipality