Residents discuss solutions for water problems in Bethal

BETHAL – Residents in many parts of Bethal saw their taps run dry this Christmas.

The Bethal Community Policing Forum (CPF) as well as local farmers, AfriForum and the community took hands and supplied water.

Mr Hennie Bekker from AfriForum provided his skid unit while Grasslands and Mr Dewald te Water provided their bigger trucks to help residents.

Mr Bekker said AfriForum is planning to identify boreholes and provide pumps and maintain them to eradicate future water crises.

“This is, however still in the planning phase,” added Mr Bekker.

Mr Jaap Pretorius, chairman of Bethal CPF, said they decided to help Bethal residents as many people took hands last year to assist Hendrina when they did not have water.

“So we decided it is our own town, let us make a plan and help the people,” mentioned Mr Pretorius.

Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) also sent a truck that was seen a few times supplying water to the residents during this time.

Ms Marietjie Fourie, DA Councillor, kept residents informed via social media about the water issues. She communicated on 23 December that the Head of Water and Sanitation informed her that Rand Water confirmed a power failure at Bloemendal water pump station, and therefore could not pump water to the Govan Mbeki Municipal area.

Ms Fourie reported that Rand Water is throttling the water supply at 20 per cent due to non-payment by GMM.

The municipality now owes Rand Water more than R151 million.

Ms Fourie invited residents to obtain water from her borehole on 3 January. She organised a meeting on 3 January to discuss the water problems and altogether 87 people attended the meeting.

Ms Fourie confirmed at the meeting the reason why Bethalrand and Extention 3 and 8 are affected more than the other areas, is because of its geographical location.

Solutions that were discussed at the meeting include the sourcing of a reticulation plan from the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Ms Fourie and Mr Pieter Walters-Gerout will evaluate the rerouting of the water supply in Bethal, which in turn will reduce the effect on Bethalrand and Extention 3 and 8.

“We are looking at the possibility to only supply water at pre-determined times during the day.

“This will ensure that the water levels are protected and readily available, even if it is only for certain times of the day,” said Ms Fourie.

Residents suggested that Bethalrand and Extention 3 and 8 should receive water restrictions to ensure that the water is used sparingly.

Residents were advised to install a storage tank (Jojo tank) if they can afford it.

This will ensure that they have a few days’ water left to rely on in times of need.

Bethal residents are planning a silent protest at the next council meeting.

They will display placards with the words: ‘Pay Rand Water.’

Ms Fourie mentioned that only 13 people are needed for a silent protest.

“As councilor I will keep on pressuring GMM to finalise its re-payment plan with Rand Water and track the payments to Rand Water.

“I will also submit a motion to the council once the best solution is determined to have it implemented by the council,” concluded Ms Fourie.