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The Democratic Alliance (DA) continues to put pressure on Sol Plaatje municipality to address the ongoing water disruptions and low water pressure being experienced in some areas of Kimberley.

We will make use of the next Utilities Committee Meeting scheduled for Wednesday to highlight the municipality’s violation of the basic right to water, including the impact of the water shortages on households, businesses, old-aged homes and schools.

To help mitigate the impact, the DA has requested that a JoJo tank be placed at the municipal offices, opposite the fire station and that at least one flatbed truck, with a JoJo tank, be readily available to supply water at short notice.

We also reasserted our right and duty as councillors to conduct oversight at the various water supply infrastructure points to confirm any information provided and to keep the community informed of the state of the said infrastructure. In this regard, our ongoing oversight reveals that the reservoir is at an acceptable but not desired level. As such, nightly shutdowns will continue to ensure that all catchment reservoirs at the Newton Reservoir are at full capacity to mitigate any emergency water disruptions.

Following engagements with the Municipal Manager, the DA can further report that valves along the water supply line may be causing erratic water supply to high-lying areas, especially close to the reservoir. The MM also confirmed that the municipality has contracted a water infrastructure specialist to advise and assist the municipality, after completion of an assessment of the city’s water infrastructure and the reasons for the shutdowns.

We also demand that the municipal manager and his team reveal what plans are in place to restore a reliable, sustainable and consistent supply of clean water to the residents of Sol Plaatje, to prevent any emergency or planned water shutdown for the rest of 2023.

Issued by Heinrich Pieterse, Cllr - DA Caucus Leader, Sol Plaatje Municipality