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The Setsoto Local Municipality has refused to prioritise the repair and reconstruction of the Marquard Dam for the past two years. The dam is currently dry, preventing Marquard from receiving much-needed water.

Twice, announcements were made to award the tender for the infrastructure project, but both times, it did not materialise. As the municipality was unable to complete the process, the allocated funds were withdrawn and used elsewhere. The dam wall has deteriorated further, increasing the amount of work and funds required to complete the project.

The towns of Marquard and Clocolan rely on water from the Holstein Pumping Station in the Ficksburg area. The supply takes four hours to reach the waterworks of Marquard. Load shedding has worsened the situation.

It is unacceptable that the municipalities’ inability to prioritise basic infrastructure maintenance has infringed on the basic right to water. The DA calls for a new business plan to be presented to the council to ensure that the municipality prioritises the communities’ right to water.

Issued by Riette Dell - DA Councillor Setsoto Local Municipality