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The Democratic Alliance (DA) expresses deep concern over the Metsimaholo Local Municipality’s failure to uphold residents’ constitutional right to water, as enshrined in Section 27 of the Constitution. Communities in Oranjeville and Metsimaholo are enduring daily watershedding, exposing the municipality’s inability to manage its resources effectively and meet the basic needs of its citizens.

In Phahameng and Zonke areas, the water crisis has spiraled out of control. Residents have been left without water for more than two months and are entirely dependent on water tankers for survival. This dire situation has severely impacted hygiene, quality of life, and overall community well-being.

The Oranjeville Waste Water Treatment Plant has become a symbol of mismanagement. It lacks the necessary chemicals to treat wastewater, and all its generators are non-functional. The chlorination machine has been out of service for an extended period, and a leaking pipe that supplies clean water to the reservoirs has remained unrepaired for over a year. Additionally, only one pump is currently operational, failing to maintain the required water pressure.

Further complicating matters, the two newly constructed reservoirs in Metsimaholo Township remain disconnected from the Waste Water Treatment Plant. These reservoirs, if connected, could significantly ease water shortages, particularly as the festive season approaches—a critical time for tourism, which is a major contributor to the local economy.

DA oversight, led by Councillor Louis van Heerden, has brought these critical issues to light, ensuring they are escalated to the relevant authorities for urgent action.

The DA calls on the Metsimaholo Local Municipality to urgently address these issues. Immediate steps must be taken to repair and restore full functionality to the Oranjeville Waste Water Treatment Plant, fix the year-long water pipe leak, and connect the reservoirs to the water system. Resolving these issues before the festive season is not only necessary to support local residents but also to safeguard the municipality’s vital tourism revenue.

The DA will continue to hold the municipality accountable for these failures and advocate for sustainable measures to ensure access to clean water for all Metsimaholo residents.

Issued by Igor Scheurkogel - DA Constituency Head: Metsimaholo