Outraged residents are holding the Rand West City Local Municipality responsible for prolonged water outages, accusing it of negligence that violates their basic right to water.

In January 2024, residents faced a severe water crisis that left many without water for nearly a month after pipes were stolen.

Throughout the year, water pressure dropped intermittently, fuelling fears of another outage. Without warning, the water supply was cut off again on October 20, leaving residents without running water for more than a week.

• Also read: Crisis as Bekkersdal and Glenharvie run out of water

Lisa-Marie Moolman expressed her frustration, saying the community is exhausted. With children and elderly residents in the area, she stressed that a consistent water supply is essential.

Although a water tanker has been provided, she noted that it rarely follows its scheduled route. When most residents are at work, they cannot access it, and unless someone waits outside, water is not delivered.

• Also read: Glenharvie residents demand water after more than 20 days

“They don’t have to live like we do. It feels like they are punishing Venterspos, and we are sick and tired of it,” said Moolman.

Another resident, Rensia du Bruyn, said the deputy mayor held a meeting on October 24 to discuss the ongoing crisis. She added that, besides arriving 20 minutes late, the deputy mayor behaved poorly towards the community and failed to provide any solutions.

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“When we [the community] asked what the budget was, they said there is no budget for Venterspos,” she said.

Willie du Bruyn suggested that the municipality should cut salaries and redirect the funds to improve service delivery.

Resident Dricky Visser recalled having to fix a blocked drain herself last year despite repeatedly requesting municipal assistance. She said that, now when the community needs help most, the municipality has again turned its back. She urged the municipality to settle its debt with Rand Water.

The Randfontein Herald contacted municipal spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa for comment. He said the municipality has been providing regular updates and that water tankers have been deployed to assist residents.

When asked about the ongoing challenges, Montshiwa did not respond further.

Teaser: Frustrated Venterspos residents blame Rand West City for prolonged water outages that have left taps dry for more than a week.