Shortage of water a problem in Phalaborwa

During a recent mayoral imbizo, Humulani and Matoki-Xikaya residents raised concerns over a shortage of water in the area.

The Ba-Phalaborwa mayor, Anna Sono addressed residents’ concerns during a Batho-Pele Day Build-Up at Matiko-Xikaya Sports Grounds outside Lulekani Township last Wednesday.

But the mayor only had a chance to address the crowd for about 10 minutes before there was a disruption to the proceedings by the residents.

Sono instead advised the residents to visit the various state departments for assistance with any concerns they might have.

“You are not the only area experiencing a water shortage. We need your cooperation together with traditional authorities when demarcating stands, because failure to do so will result in new areas not getting water and then blaming it on the municipality,” explained Sono.

She said the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality was a water service provider, while Mopani District Municipality was the water authority.

Mopani District Municipality mayor, Joshua Matlou said the district wanted to introduce a flat rate for all residents of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality to curb the non-payment of water bills currently experienced in Namakgale and Lulekani, which amounted to over R240 million owed to Lepelle Northern Water.

“This municipality will collapse if residents continue to not pay their municipal bills.

“We are currently settling your water bills on behalf of your local municipality to Lepelle Northern Water and it is hitting us very hard.

“We have to introduce a flat rate and maybe start with R50 per household,” said Matlou.