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The human rights of the residents of Matjhabeng have been violated due to the ANC-run municipalities’ poor planning and failure to implement consequence management, causing an ongoing water crisis. In an oversight visit, the Democratic Alliance (DA) uncovered the underlying reasons why residents are continuously left without water. These findings were confirmed by Dr Moorosi, the CEO of Bloem Water, during a presentation to the council in response to the DA’s request for clarity on the water crisis.

Balkfontein has 11 raw water pump sets, of which only 7 are operational, and 4 are currently with the service provider for repairs. The plant has 16 potable water pump stations, of which only 12 are operational, with the remaining 4 pumps out of order. Three of these pumps are with service providers, while the other is not operational due to leaks that Bloem Water is unable to fix.

The De Erf booster pump station has 7 pumps, of which 2 are not operational, and the old reservoir only has 1 operational pump. The new reservoir has 4 Sulzer pumps. Three pipelines run from Balkfontein to the 2 reservoirs at De Erf, but only 2 are functional due to many leaks on one line. Therefore, the water supply to the Koppie Alleen reservoirs in Riebeeckstad is further reduced.

From the high-level reservoirs at Koppie Alleen, the water gravitates into the pipe system in the lower-lying areas, called the Welkom Ring Main. Potable water is distributed to Odendaalsrus, Kutlwanong, Welkom, and Thabong from this pipeline. The Riebeeckstad reservoirs can pump water only if the high-level reservoirs are over 20%.

Bloem Water's inability to maintain pipelines, equipment, and pumps is due to its lack of funds caused by local municipalities' poor payment record for water supply. The Saaiplaas booster station, which would normally feed from the Virginia plant, is non-operational due to vandalized electric cables. Repairs are yet to be affected due to the lack of security. They are frequently targeted by Zama-Zama.

At the 28 March Council Sitting, it was reported that the municipality owes Bloem Water R5,090,795,176. The municipality's bill for February 2023 was R67,534,175, and only R15,782,132 was paid, which is only 23% of the total bill. Its low payment rate has been the norm, and cannot be sustained by Bloem Water.

The DA has proposed the following steps to ensure compliance with Chapter 2 of the Constitution of South Africa and the Water Services Act 108:

• The immediate payment of all outstanding debts owed to Bloem Water by Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
• The regular payment of accounts in full and on time by Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
• The investigation and prosecution of any acts of vandalism and theft of municipal infrastructure.
• The prioritization of security and maintenance of infrastructure by Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
• The establishment of a competent and efficient water management system in Matjhabeng.

The DA is committed to finding solutions and bringing change across the country and therefore urges all residents to register to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Government elections.

Issued by Dr Igor Scheurkogel - DA Caucus Leader Matjhabeng Local Municipality