Water shortages in Doornkop reach crisis point
The DA in Steve Tshwete has expressed concern over the water crisis in Doornkop Phase 1, Phase 2 and Sebesho Village.
Over 5 000 households in these areas have been plagued by continuous water shortages.
Meanwhile, the Department of Spatial Development and Human Settlement has become a bystander.
During an oversight visit, the DA discovered that the water crisis has expanded to the community centre, which includes a clinic, library, community hall and youth empowerment offices.
The clinic serves over 7 000 households, including Doornkop Phases 1 and 2, Sebesho Village, Mkulu Village, Sizanani Village and farm dwellers.
Water challenges at this facility have exposed the employees and patients to severe health risks.
The boreholes and water tanks supplied by the municipality do not cater for the whole community, sating about 20 per cent of the demand.
Residents are forced to buy water.
The borehole, which is currently operational and filling two 5 000 litre tanks, can only meet a fraction of the demand.
Cables to the borehole have also been stolen twice, although concrete poles have been planted to secure the pump.
Furthermore, illegal connections to the main borehole, which drains the water and lowers the pressure in the pipes, results in water not reaching end consumers. Water tanks supplied by the municipality are also not spread evenly in the village.
“Residents from these respective villages have been deprived of their right, enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, to have access to sufficient food and water,” DA ward councillor Anphia Grobler says.
The DA has written to the MMC of Spatial Development and Human Settlement, Mthokozisi Maseko, to urgently tend to the water crisis.
