Govan Mbeki Municipality denies Rand Water throttling claims

The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality has dismissed claims by the Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga that Rand Water has imposed water throttling measures on the municipality due to unpaid debt.

The DA in Mpumalanga said it had formally written to the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, calling for urgent oversight into ongoing water shortages affecting the municipality.

According to the DA’s Mpumalanga spokesperson on Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, James Masango, the municipality has struggled since 2018 to settle its debt with Rand Water.

Masango said the municipality’s debt to Rand Water has grown to about R850 million, mainly due to worsening financial challenges.

He further alleged that Rand Water had implemented water throttling measures to enforce payment compliance.

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However, the municipality’s Marketing and Community Liaison Officer, Lucky Mhlongo, rejected the allegations, calling them misleading.

“Rand Water has not issued any formal communication regarding water restrictions within our jurisdiction, and the municipality has a signed Debt Settlement Agreement with Rand Water.

“We are consistently servicing our current account in full and remain on track with the structured payment plan,” said Mhlongo.

Mhlongo added that since 2023, the municipality has honoured all its financial commitments toward settling the Rand Water debt without defaulting.

“In any event of supply interruptions or restrictions, Rand Water follows a formal protocol to notify the municipality, which has not occurred.

“We remain dedicated to providing sustainable, quality water services to all residents as a top priority,” said Mhlongo.

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