The sabotage was discovered this morning and contractors are on site to fix the valve.

The problem is, the main bulk water line had to be closed off in order for contractors to fix the valve.

According to mayoral committee member for infrastructure, Cllr Johan Matshiane, the valve must have been destroyed during the night, after contractors fixed a second pipe burst on the main line.

Water started flowing into reservoirs since last night, but high lying areas like Kanonkop and Dennesig’s supply, has not even been restored before the sabotage occurred.

He says he can’t estimate how long repairs would take, and also cannot confirm how long Kanonkop and Dennesig will remain without water. Some areas have been without water for six days and counting.

Www.mobserver.co.za spoke to Cllr Matshiane on site this morning where he outlined the longterm effect the sabotage will have on the town.

Municipal employees have been on strike for over a month now, despite a court interdict declaring the strike illegal.

Striking employees have automatically been dismissed after 21 days of the strike but Municipal Manager, Advocate Bheki Khenisa, who is receiving endless death threats, said that negotiations with the workers are ongoing to avoid further damages to essential municipal infrastructure.

Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane will visit Middelburg tomorrow to try and seek a solution to the ongoing strike.