Councillor demands answers on prolonged water leaks
The area's ward councillor provided a timeline of her attempts to reach out to relevant stakeholders with regard to the issue.
Ward 33 councillor Kim Fourie has formally submitted questions to the Emalahleni Local Municipality (ELM) council in terms of Rule 51(1) of the Standing Rules of Order, raising serious concerns about prolonged water leaks and deteriorating municipal infrastructure in Klipfontein Ext 16.
The submission, made on June 29, follows the ongoing water leaks at Deon’s Trailers on Hans Strydom Street, the worsening condition of De Kock Street, and the damaged stormwater systems on Opperman Street and at the corner of Rissik Street and De Kock Street.
According to Fourie, residents have for years witnessed treated drinking water go to waste while surrounding infrastructure continues to deteriorate.
“The prolonged leak has not only resulted in the unnecessary loss of a valuable resource, but has also caused extensive damage to roads and stormwater drains,” she said.
READ MORE: Four arrested after spaza shop looting
Fourie warned that these failures will increase future repair costs, which will ultimately be borne by ratepayers.
In her submission, Fourie requested detailed written responses from the technical services department.
Among the questions are when the municipality first became aware of the leaks and damaged drains, and what caused the delays in repairing them.
The submission is supported by a comprehensive record of reports made to the municipality over an extended period, with some dates tracing back to the previous year.
Despite repeated notifications, the municipality has not taken meaningful action.
“The continued loss of potable water, the deterioration of De Kock Street, and the failure of stormwater infrastructure on Opperman Street, and at the corner of Rissik Street and De Kock Street, are unacceptable and require immediate intervention. Residents are entitled to safe, functional and properly maintained municipal infrastructure, and the municipality has a legal and constitutional obligation to protect public assets, minimise water losses, and ensure effective service delivery,” Fourie said.
Fourie requested a response within 14 days. Witbank News reached out to the ELM spokesperson, Lebo Mofokeng, who had not responded by the time the article was published.
A kidnapping case involving a professional soccer player has taken a new turn, with police investigating allegations that the incident may have been fabricated
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) July 9, 2026
Read more here: https://t.co/rQGaMDb20e pic.twitter.com/oUe8h8Htif
Your city, your story, as it happens. Stay in the loop with WITBANK NEWS.
Find us on our website, Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok
