Water crisis in Burgersfort

Simon Makofane of Burgersfort writes:

Exactly one week after the national elections, we have started to notice a major water crisis. We have been experiencing a problem every year around early November going into December in Burgersfort. I want to know why this happens …

We are aware of water tankers arriving in the community. But the water never reaches us. However, due to the request made by the former minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, water restrictions were lifted during 2020. There haven’t been any water shortages in months.

There was a constant steady supply of water in 2020. Several water reservoirs have been built in the past few years. Yet, there is a huge crisis that is looming in Burgersfort now. This town is connected to the biggest dam in Limpopo, De Hoop Dam. And still, there is no water. Burgersfort is a platinum city. We have a large number of mines that fall under the Greater Tubatse Municipality and the Sekhukhune District Municipality. We cannot afford to let our people down. These are the very same people who voted for the ruling party.

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We need to work hand in hand. We are not asking for land, jobs and a better economy. We are only requesting that one of our basic human rights is met, which is water. We are requesting the minister of water and sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, to please visit Burgersfort, get the latest updates on the current water projects, and tell us why is there a water crisis.

• Why are the residents not regularly informed?
• Why is the council not supplying free water tankers to needy residents? • Why are there no written notices for when the water won’t be available?
• Why are we still being charged the same monthly fee even while we do not get the service?

This letter was sent to Sekhukhune District Municipality, but no comment was received by the time going to press.