Ward 39 councillor in Mogale City, Zillah Maguire has questioned Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) regarding its inability to restore water supply in areas where it is most needed.
Zillah complained in a letter to the MCLM Speaker and Executive Mayor that some residents had been without water as a result of insufficient supply.
“This means that due to the layout of Ward 39, these residents have been unable to cook, wash hands, bathe, drink water and clean surfaces,” she lamented, adding that Mogale City is now the Covid-19 hot spot of the West Rand, and a shortage of water will further increase the number of infections.
The most affected areas the councillor highlighted were Renosterspruit and the clinic in Kromdraai, which had to close temporarily as the facility could not function without water. The clinic serves about 50 to 70 people daily, according to Zillah.
“Access to water is a basic human right, and it is absolutely crucial that the residents have access to water during this pandemic,” she said.
“As we all know that nobody can survive without water, I have to warn that this situation will result in possible lost of lives if it is not rectified as a matter of severe urgency,” she said.
Zillah also attributed this poor service to MCLM’s financial woes. “We are all aware of the water supply disruption or suspension due to Mogale being unable to meet their financial obligations,” she said.
She concluded by asking MCLM for a time frame as to when this matter will be resolved so that she can convey the message to the desperate residents. MCLM has been approached for comment regarding this matter. However, a response has not been forthcoming.
An update will be published as and when MCLM responds to the media enquiry.
This is a developing story.
