Please find attached soundbite in English and Afrikaans by Johan Pieterse.
- Madibeng residents and businesses have endured over three months of low water pressure due to a faulty valve.
- Despite offers from businesses to fund repairs, the municipality has failed to act.
- The DA demands urgent repairs to restore water supply and protect local jobs.
The Democratic Alliance is concerned about the ongoing low water pressure affecting large parts of Madibeng Local Municipality for more than three months, placing residents and local businesses under increasing strain.
The problem has been linked to a pressure-regulating valve that requires servicing or repairs. Despite the municipality being aware of the faulty infrastructure, the necessary work has still not been carried out.
Local businesses are particularly affected, with unreliable water supply disrupting daily operations and threatening their ability to remain operational. Some affected businesses have even offered to cover the costs of repairing or servicing the valve, yet no action has been taken.
The DA has repeatedly raised the matter with the municipality and requested urgent intervention, but residents and businesses continue to experience inadequate water pressure.
It is unacceptable that an identified infrastructure problem remains unresolved for months while businesses struggle to operate and jobs are placed at risk. Reliable water supply is essential for economic activity, investment and employment opportunities.
The DA calls on Madibeng Local Municipality to immediately service or repair the faulty pressure-regulating valve, provide a clear timeframe for restoring normal water pressure and communicate progress to affected residents and businesses.
Madibeng cannot afford to lose businesses and jobs because of preventable infrastructure failures. Residents deserve reliable water services, and the municipality must act without further delay.