eMBALENHLE – The Extension 15 water reservoir is still not working after it was handed over to the municipality as a completed project.
The revamping of this reservoir was one of the ANC’s key campaign strategies and the party claimed that it would deliver services to the people.
It was revamped by Overlooked Colliery as part of their social labour plan and handed over to Govan Mbeki Municipality in March.
A big 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 receive clean and fresh water.
However, the reservoir is still dry.
The reservoir was disconnected in 2017 from supplying water to the area after residents complained that the water was contaminated with algae and worms.
Ext 15 residents claimed to have found little red worms floating in their tap water.
The municipality decided to disconnect the reservoir and it was left unattended for a long time, until residents raised their concerns that the unbarricaded reservoir was posing a danger to their children as they often play there.
“This has never worked. We are still receiving water through the bypass. We do not care anymore as long as we receive water.
“The biggest question is where are they going to get the money to revamp it, because it is now being vandalised.
“This proves that the municipality is not serious about service delivery,” said Mr Musa Mabena, a resident.
Ridge Times requested comment from the municipality, but no response was received at the time of going to the press.
