At the next Govan Mbeki municipal council meeting tomorrow (February 25), residents will show their frustration with the municipality.

Some area in Secunda have been without water for 17 days now while Trichardt’s water is coming and going.

Residents will meet at the municipality at 09:00 tomorrow and attend the open gallery of the council meeting at 10:00.

Anyone is welcome to attend the protest and meeting.

DA councillor, Fiona Pelman, said the DA

demands a tangible water solution plan for Secunda and other towns.

In a letter to the Govan Mbeki municipal manager, Elliot Maseko, the DA also demanded an operational strategy plan to restore equitable water supply.

“Residents in higher-lying areas of Secunda have now endured 15 consecutive days without reliable water supply, with only a brief trickle reported in some parts during the early hours of this morning,” said Pelman earlier this week.

“Pressure conditions across the town continue to indicate that while some lower-lying areas intermittently receive water, elevated neighbourhoods remain largely without supply, reflecting ongoing imbalance within the municipal distribution network.

“Ward 21 in Secunda has been among the hardest-hit areas.

“Many households in higher-lying sections have had no water for over two weeks and are reliant on water tankers for basic needs.

“For over a month now the DA has been inundated with complaints from residents complaining about the extended periods without water supply and inconsistent tanker availability.

“It must be noted that elderly residents have found it hard to queue for water,” stated Pelman.

“There is growing frustration and a lack of confidence in the municipality’s ability to ensure a consistent water supply.

“It is crucial to address these concerns promptly and transparently.”

Pelman said in the letter the municipality is failing in the provision of water and sanitation to communities in a sustainable manner.

Bethal is also bearing the brunt of the water crisis and is now on day 42 of dry taps.

“The DA reiterates that access to sufficient water is clearly stated under Section 27 of the Constitution of South Africa. Prolonged interruption and unequal distribution of municipal water supply raise serious service-delivery, public-health and human-rights concerns.

“On behalf of affected communities we call for urgent operational intervention to restore balanced supply across Secunda and the broader municipality.”