Nobody has yet declared a state of emergency for Standerton, but with sewerage, water and electricity problems, a number of individuals, businesses and organisations have no intention of switching off the lights when they leave.
That was not quite necessary since widespread internal loadshedding was introduced on Wednesday, 25 September affecting Wards 3, 5, 6 and 18 in Sakhile, Wards 1, 2, and 11, Meyerville, the industrial area, Vodacom, Ward 4, Farm lines R, K, P and J as well as Wards 9, 13 and 10.
Some areas took the brunt of loadshedding the following day and according to information, interruptions occurred as needs dictated.
Another electricity interruption was experienced on Friday evening and social media was buzzing when water interruptions were the order of the day.
“Standerton’s water problems are due to an electricity supply problem,” Mr Rosier de Ville, DA-councillor for Ward 10, said after attending a meeting with stakeholders at the Lekwa Municipality.
According to Mr De Ville, the electricity problem directly culminates in water pumps not able to function properly.
A ray of hope is those individuals of which the Standerton Advertiser is aware of at the moment, who are tackling the problems.
Mr Mandla Mphuthi from Lekwa was commended for his efforts.
WhatsApp-groups played a pivotal role in identifying areas which need urgent attention.
Mr De Ville and two residents namely Mr Bok Gleeson and Ms Wilma Venter had a meeting on Saturday, 21 September at the renowned Schwickard Street area and the ice was broken once they agreed to work together in the CBD.
Both the gentlemen said they parted ways in a friendly fashion.
“To throw stones at this stage, will get us nowhere,” Mr Gleeson commented.
“I am experiencing positive cooperation from the ruling party, the municipality and the councillors.” “People are beginning to join hands and I am positive,” Mr De Ville added.
Repairs to the pump station in Kieser Street was underway last week, but according to information, problems have not been entirely sorted out.
A council meeting was on the cards for Tuesday, 1 October during which a task team will be appointed to give immediate attention to the town’s problems.
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