Locals angry over water delays after planned water supply maintenance period
The VF Plus demands prompt action, including a clear explanation for the ongoing delays, an updated timeframe for water restoration, more dependable deployment of water tankers, and a commitment to transparent and honest communication with appropriate municipal authorities.
Several residents in eMalahleni are angry and frustrated as water problems continue, even after the municipality had announced that repairs were finished last week.
People are asking why they still don’t have water when the maintenance was meant to fix things.
The maintenance on Witbank Water Treatment Works, Old Coronation Bulk Water Pipeline, Point B Reservoir, Point D Reservoir Pump Station, and Point D 5 Megalitre was scheduled from July 21 to July 25. All areas supplied by Reservoirs Point A, B, C, D, and E were affected.
Residents expressed how their everyday lives are impacted by the ongoing lack of water.
In Del Judor, one resident said her husband had to go to work wearing dirty clothes.
“The man must go to work dirty, he can’t stay at home, and otherwise they don’t get paid. This is really heart-breaking,” she said.
She also mentioned that her children haven’t gone to school because they haven’t bathed.
Business owners also came forward to voice out their frustrations. A local carwash owner said, “I have been pleading with the officials for a while now.
They keep on turning me back. I wonder if there’s just no water for businesses. I can’t afford not to operate. What about my employees?
A part of Reyno Ridge is among those still without proper water supply. Some residents say they didn’t receive any water even before the shutdown started.
Political parties expressed their concerns about the water issue.
According to Clr Sharon Schlachter from the VF Plus, the continued water woes have posed dangerous mental health issues to some residents.
“Access to clean and consistent water is a fundamental need, and the ongoing outages are severely impacting daily life and public health, both physical and mental,” said Sharon Schlachter of the VF Plus. “The stress, anxiety, and frustration experienced by residents due to this crisis can not be understated. We, the VF Plus, will take serious action if this critical issue is not addressed promptly and effectively, and if the municipality fails to uphold its obligations under the Water Services Act, ensure transparent communication, and demonstrate responsive leadership,” she added.
An inquire was sent to Emalahleni Local Municipality spokesperson Lebo Mofokeng, who has not responded.
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