DA is concerned about non-functioning reservoir in Standerton

The Gert Sibande District Municipality spent more than R20m to build the reservoir, but it was never commissioned despite the severe water shortages.

December 10, 2024

Zell-Mari de Jager 1 minute read

Attempts are being made to solve water problems.

Water shortages in Standerton have been plaguing residents of all wards for several weeks. The DA recently expressed great concern about dysfunctional water reservoirs in the Lekwa and Dipaleseng municipalities.

The DA is planning to escalate this issue to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government. According to a statement released on December 3 by the DA, a non-operational reservoir was found during an oversight in Ward 7 on the uphills of the Serato Community.

Allegedly, the Gert Sibande District Municipality spent more than R20m to build the reservoir, but it was never commissioned despite the severe water shortages.

According to James Masango, the DA spokesperson in Mpumalanga, it appears that the municipality has abandoned the reservoir.

Local businesses have taken it upon themselves to deliver water to residents.

“We sought clarity on the state of the reservoir and its operational capacity. It is gravely concerning that the municipality is not planning on fixing this reservoir while residents of Lekwa are confronted with severe water shortages,” said Masango.

The statement closed off with a promise.

“We will write to the MEC of CoGHSTA and call on them to investigate this matter and others like it in the Dipaleseng municipal area. Thye must compel these municipalities to urgently attend to water challenges,” concluded Masango.

The Lekwa communications department stated that they are in the process of retrieving files about this project, as it is dated almost 10 years ago.