Residents blame Mogale for water crisis

Mogale City Local Municipality has published a statement on their website regarding the water problem, stating that they are doing everything they possibly can to restore the water supply.

On 12 August a pipe had burst near Van Riebeeck Road, which affected the water flow from the main line to numerous suburbs.

Residents in both Krugersdorp West and North expressed their anger to the news via telephone calls, BBM and facebook messages as well as by commenting on the news’ website.

Many accuse Mogale City Council of being incompetent, reckless and racist.

“We sincerely apologise to the affected communities for the suspended water supply. This is due to a burst main supply line that has disrupted water supply to Krugersdorp West and surrounding areas,” reads the statement on Mogale City’s website.

Even though Mogale City has provided water trucks at designated points in the area and a weak supply becoming available after 8pm, residents continue to question Mogale’s motives while the latter tries to fix the problem.

Infrastructure in the West is so old that maintaining pipelines is not longer an option. Mogale City is forced to start replacing burst pipes, which causes disruptions in the water supply for days on end.

news journalist Jacobus Myburgh visited the site with DA ward councillor Jakkie Naudé where the pipe is being replaced. Myburgh and Naudé monitored the situation and noticed that after the workers had replaced the pipe, they covered it with dirt before even testing it.

Disaster struck again on Friday 15 August when the pipe burst for the second time.

Mogale’s statement reads that they are ‘working around the clock’ to rectify the problem, yet residents who are keeping a close eye on their progress say the workers leave the site soon after their shift has ended.

As water trucks at best provide only temporary relief, many are forced to make alternative arrangement because they do not have transport to and from the water trucks, and do not have the money to buy water at local shops. Town View High School even sent their pupils home because there was no water for sanitation purposes.

Lynette Muller, who resides in Buston Street says she is upset that restoring the water supply is such a lengthy process.

“A friend phoned me on Monday informing me that apparently the pipe had burst as she lives close to the spot where the water was gushing from the ground.”

Krugersdorp West resident Johan Keyter, a former artisan of the Mogale City Local Municipality says he was at home when his taps ran dry.

“Luckily we have relatives in Tarlton where we can take a bath, but what about the other residents who do not have that luxury? It is difficult for us to depend on water tankers while we are paying our rates and taxes.”

He says he blames the current water supply problems on the municipality.

“They are mismanaging! You try contacting them via the telephone, but you never get hold of anyone, even on the emergency line. So why don’t they just close these lines because it’s clearly not being utilised.”

Related article:

• Update: Mogale’s steps to rectify water problem