Water crises in Gauteng and Mpumalanga threaten to sway municipal election votes
Dry taps and low pressure leave communities fuming across two provinces on the eve of local government polls.
More than anything else, the water situation could determine where voters cast their ballots in the November 4 municipal election.
Voters in Johannesburg and Pretoria are reported to have reached breaking point, with water taps remaining dry for days on end.
The situation even prompted DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille to put on a swimsuit and cool off in one of the many water-filled holes in Johannesburg caused by burst pipes.
In Middelburg, there has been significant frustration over the past week regarding poor water pressure, particularly in the Groenkol area.
Residents say they have had enough of these water problems.
Cllr San-Marie Wait sent a message to the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, stating: “Groenkol water pressure for the past two weeks is getting ridiculous. I have sent several messages with no reply. Please, can you just give us an answer regarding the problem?”
Later, she noted that the municipality was still working at the Vaalbank Shooting Range, attempting to open fire hydrants.
Mounting anger over service delivery
eMakhazeni (Belfast) has been without water since Friday, October 30.
Residents’ anger has boiled over, and DA councillor Danie van Rensburg, in particular, has faced harsh criticism. He was approached for comment but did not return the call.
The eMakhazeni Local Municipality also failed to respond to enquiries.
The frustration has also spilled over onto social media, with a song titled “$%#! doesn’t work in this town” circulating among residents. The owner of Engela’s Car Wash also announced that the business had closed because of the municipality’s failure to provide reliable services.
Out of desperation, a request was made to see if the ActionSA candidate, Eugene Schemper, could assist.
Schemper replied: “We cannot go on like this; our water is dirty. When we do have water, the power is off. It’s a nightmare! It is time for us to stand together and fix the town.”
When people cast their votes tomorrow, it might not be for a political party as in the past, but rather because there is no water.
