DA councillor René Steyn has raised alarm over the persistent water leaks across Matjhabeng, which are exacerbating the already dire water crisis in the municipality.
Despite ongoing struggles with unreliable and potentially unsafe water, the Matjhabeng municipality has also failed to act with the urgency needed to address these issues, leaving residents to bear the brunt of its inaction.
Steyn said that water leaks often remain unresolved for extended periods, leading to the loss of thousands of litres of water at a time when conservation is critical.
The delays in repairs not only worsen the water crisis but also cause significant damage to roads and infrastructure.
Unfilled trenches left by incomplete repairs pose safety hazards to residents and commuters alike, Steyn added.
“These failures expose the glaring inadequacies within the Department of Infrastructure, which lacks the capacity to effectively address the crisis. Without immediate intervention, the situation will only deteriorate further, adding to the burden on residents and stretching municipal resources to breaking point,” said Steyn.
The DA has proposed several urgent measures to tackle the issue.
Steyn called for the municipality to implement an emergency repair plan with dedicated teams deployed to fix reported leaks within 24 to 48 hours, ensuring that unnecessary water loss is prevented and the impact of leaks on the crisis is mitigated.
She further emphasized the need for proper backfilling of trenches and road restoration after repairs to prevent additional infrastructure damage and to ensure public safety.
In addition, Steyn stressed the importance of capacity building within the Department of Infrastructure, urging the municipality to hire additional technicians and provide the necessary tools and resources for efficient service delivery.
She also demanded transparency and accountability by requesting a detailed report from the Department of Infrastructure on the status of water leak repairs, the reasons for delays, and measures to improve response times.
The DA plans to table a motion in council to ensure monthly progress updates on these repairs.
“Water leaks are not a minor issue; they are a significant driver of the worsening water crisis in Matjhabeng. Every drop lost is a setback for the community, and every delay in repairs deepens the hardships faced by residents,” Steyn said.
Steyn further said the DA remains committed to holding the municipality accountable and demanding urgent action to ensure that Matjhabeng residents receive the effective and responsive service they deserve.
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