It is no secret that Mogale City has immense water issues.Ranging from old infrastructure, low pressure, and pipes bursting daily, to funds mismanagement, a population influx and water scarcity due to the drought, Krugersdorpers know it all too well. But there is a solution, according to local ward councillor, Dr Andries Eksteen.
The News recently met with Dr Eksteen at the Kenmare reservoir where he explained what needs to be done in order to adequately address Mogale’s water crisis. The News, through it’s Caxton Cares initiative, would like to help Dr Eksteen highlight this situation by pledging our support.
The solution is simple – residents need to put pen to paper in the form of signing a petition. Why a petition, which many would say means nothing?
“Strength in numbers,” Dr Eksteen said. “Having so many signatures from residents, not just in problem areas, but throughout Mogale, could mean that the council will be forced to take action, especially if this petition reaches the Gauteng Department of Water Affairs.”
Dr Eksteen said he is a member of a water problem WhatsApp group which posts problems on an hourly basis. Most of these problems are pipes bursting and residents not having water.
He praised Mogale’s water department for being on the ball when it comes to burst pipes, but the problem is not their lack of enthusiasm when it comes to doing their jobs, it’s a lack of resources and manpower.
“Sometimes these guys need to trek through mountainous areas to get to a burst pipe and often they are tending to numerous pipes that have burst and cannot get to each one quickly enough.”
Krugersdorp has a serious water crisis and if disaster strikes, it will only take three days for the main reservoirs in Kenmare, which feed the whole of Mogale and its surrounds, to run dry.
Dr Eksteen truly believes that the way out of this crisis is by encouraging each and every resident of Mogale to come forward.
“There are ways and funds available, we just need to make this a priority for them to see that a serious problem is looming.”
Therefore, two dates have been set aside for residents to sign this petition; 24 October and 2 November from 9am to 11am at the Verandah Coffee Shop at 4 Shannon Road, Kenmare.
“Bring everybody – your neighbours, your friends and family. We need you. Help me to help you and let’s get this water crisis under control … or it will be too late.”
