Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Setswana by Sello Seitholo MP.
During a public meeting in Longaneng, the DA in Greater Taung heard the tearful laments of residents who have been suffering a water crisis for almost three months.
Longaneng residents informed us that water supply was interrupted on 25 February 2023, but that all water supply was suspended three days later. Since then, residents have not had a drop of water in their taps.
Water issues in Longaneng started after the Sedibeng Water Board was incorporated into the Magalies Water Board which signed a contract with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality as the bulk water service provider.
It is alleged that Eskom suspended electricity supply to water pump stations in the area due to the non-payment by Sedibeng Water. Magalies Water has also failed to make payments to Eskom.
The Greater Taung Local Municipality made a borehole on municipal property called Cover Grounds available, but some community members must walk more than three kilometres to fill buckets, from a borehole that frequently runs dry due to over-demand, and the area is closed on weekends.
Ward Committee members and residents requested temporary JoJo tanks to alleviate the water shortage closer to where they live, but Greater Taung informed them that this would be too expensive at an estimated cost of R400,000.00. This is quite plainly unacceptable because residents have a right to access clean and reliable water supply, and the municipality has an obligation to deliver water.
The DA will write to the Greater Taung Municipal Manager, Motlhaetsimang Makuwapane, and Mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, requesting that they arrange a meeting with the Magalies Water Board and Eskom to resolve the deadlock around the outstanding electricity bills, agree to a payment plan, and immediately bring the water pump stations back on line. We will also insist that the Municipal Manager table a report at the next Council meeting detailing the steps that were taken to temporarily provide Longaneng residents with water.