Reservoir in Ext 15, eMbalenhle, is contaminated, again
“How many people had already drank from the contaminated water, fell ill or even died before we became aware of the bacteria in the water?” asked a concerned resident.
Residents who get water from the reservoir in Ext 15 received an alert on February 2 of a supply interruption because the water was contaminated.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) informed these residents about damage to a floating roof of the reservoir.
The municipality said it was sourcing a suitable company to replace the roof. They deployed water tankers to supply the affected community with water and requested residents’ cooperation in collecting water responsibly from the water tankers.
This is not the first time the water in this reservoir has been contaminated.
The GMM disconnected the reservoir in 2019 after residents complained about worms and algae in the water.
Overlooked Colliery revamped the reservoir as part of its social investment plan and returned it to the municipality.
At the time, the community hoped the water supply in the area would improve, but residents now claim the situation did not change.
“Extension 15’s residents are still facing water challenges even after the reservoir refurbishment,” several lamented.
Some residents told the Ridge Times the municipality’s disconnection of the reservoir because of contamination would not change anything because there is never enough water.
They claim the water level in the reservoir fluctuates between 0% and 10% capacity.
Vusi Mthimunye, a resident, is convinced the municipality does not take regular samples to test the water in the reservoir.
“They wait for the community to complain first.”
Mthimunye said the community hardly ever has water, but when there is water it is a health risk.
“How many people had already drank from the contaminated water, fell ill or even died before we became aware of the bacteria in the water?” he asked.
Residents also want to know how long would it take the municipality to fix the problem and how long will they have to rely on water tankers.
Some accused the municipal management of not wanting to find a permanent solution for a stable water supply because the situation creates tender opportunities for friends.
Jan Mokoena, another community member, claims politicians are using this opportunity to “make money out of their tenderpreneur friends”.
“After a few years, we will still have the same problem.
“Why are they not bringing in engineers to solve this problem once and for all?” he asked.
