HIGHVELD – Locals have raised their concerns over the prevalence of water and electricity interruptions in the area.
Residents in Bethal recently said the water pressure in town was significantly lower than before, while in eMzinoni they complained about constant water cuts without notice the past few weeks.
The residents complained that they go day in and day out without electricity, and the water has been cut in most parts of eMzinoni.
Most parts of the area were without water and electricity for more than 24-hours, while some parts were without electricity for two days. “Our councillors do not bother to have meetings and to explain the situation to us.
“We received unconfirmed reports that Rand Water reduced the water pressure with 20 per cent in the area.
“We deserve respect. The least they can do, is to inform us instead of keeping quiet,” said a resident.
The lack of water is just one of the many issues faced by residents, who claimed that there is little service delivery from Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM).
Deteriorating roads are also a big problem and nothing has been done, despite several complaints.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/143088/embalenhle-residents-mandela-section-living-horrible-conditions-due-sewage-spills/
Residents in Bethal suspect that the water problems are not only caused by pipe bursts, but also because the Rand Water account is not being paid.
Mr Donald Green, communication officer for GMM, said the municipality is aware of the water problems in Bethal and eMbalenhle.
He added that normally the water interruptions are caused by pipe bursts in various areas due to the ageing infrastructure.
“Sometimes it takes longer than anticipated to fix the pipe, because the equipment are not always locally available.
“We often experience issues, but we update residents about this. We did not receive any notice that Rand Water has reduced the water pressure in the area.”
Though the municipality dispute that Rand Water reduced the water pressure in the area, Rand Water confirmed to Ridge Times that it indeed did reduce the bulk meter water flow to GMM by 20 per cent to all the areas supplied by Rand Water.
Rand Water said this was because of a monthly short fall payment by the municipality on its monthly bulk water account.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/143365/143365/
Ridge Times learned that the Extension 15 water reservoir is still not working after it was handed over to the municipality as a completed project.
It was revamped by Overlooked Colliery as part of their social labour plan and was handed over to the GMM in March.
A handover celebration was held and both the municipality and Overlooked Colliery boasted about the good work they have done and about their fruitful relationship.
They promised that the reservoir will be operational the following week and that locals will get clean and fresh water.
However, the reservoir is still dry.
Mr Sibusiso Hlolweni, president of Sapromo, said: “As time goes by, locals might not see a drop of water or electricity in their houses.”
He said his party is concerned about the allegations circulating that the power and electricity interruptions are done on purpose in order to appoint certain service providers to fund political programs.
“Where there is smoke, there is fire, and we hope that the delayed forensic investigation will uncover those things.
“One may remember that whenever there is a water interruption, there are service providers who deliver water to the communities with water tankers.”
Mr Green distanced the municipality from the allegations of the service provider benefiting and said the municipality will soon issue a detailed press statement about the water crisis in the area.
Ridge Times contacted Mr Sakhile Mahlangu, MMC for Water and Sanitation, however no comment was received at the time of going to press.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/143100/gmm-mayor-positive-power-problems-will-fixed-embalenhle/
