Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Jacky Basson
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana calls on the municipality to take immediate action to repair broken infrastructure and upgrade the outdated water distribution system in Wards 16 and 17. Years of neglect and reliance on fragile cement asbestos pipes have caused persistent water supply challenges, leaving residents to endure frequent disruptions and significant water losses.
The current water system, designed with cement asbestos pipes meant to last 50 years, has long surpassed its lifespan. This aging infrastructure suffers from recurring pipe bursts due to excessive pressure and has become a major source of water loss in the community. (See picture here)
Adding to the crisis is the malfunctioning pressure regulation system. Of the five pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) meant to manage water pressure in the area, the valve in Ward 16 has been broken for over 20 years and remains unrepaired. This leaves the PRV in Ward 17 responsible for regulating water pressure in both wards. Designed to handle a maximum pressure of 300 kPa, the Ward 17 PRV is now managing over 800 kPa—an overload causing repeated pipe bursts and damaging the water infrastructure further.
The DA is demanding immediate repairs to the broken PRV in Ward 16 and a complete upgrade of the asbestos water pipes. Without these urgent interventions, the residents of Wards 16 and 17 will continue to suffer from unreliable water supply, worsening the already dire living conditions.
The municipality must prioritise these repairs and upgrades to alleviate the burden on the community and restore dignity to the residents of Wards 16 and 17. The DA remains committed to holding the relevant authorities accountable and ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for all residents.