Please find attached soundbite in English by Imaan Sayed Suliman.
- Residents in Wards 15 and 16 have endured over two weeks of unreliable water supply following pump failures.
- Schools, businesses and vulnerable residents are suffering as the municipality fails to provide solutions.
- The DA demands urgent repairs, emergency water supply and a clear restoration timeline.
The Democratic Alliance condemns the continued water supply disruptions affecting Wards 15 and 16 in Zeerust, where residents have endured more than two weeks without reliable access to water.
The crisis began on 16 October following an Eskom power failure affecting the Doornfontein Pump Station. A subsequent municipal pump failure has left water supply severely restricted, with some areas receiving water for only 20 minutes at a time, while higher-lying areas remain without water.
The situation is particularly concerning amid reported temperatures exceeding 36°C. Schools have reportedly been forced to dismiss learners early due to unusable ablution facilities, disrupting final examinations, while elderly and vulnerable residents struggle to access sufficient water.
Local businesses, including supermarkets and food outlets, are also affected, placing hygiene standards, daily operations and jobs at risk. Reliable water supply is essential to keeping businesses operational, protecting livelihoods and attracting investment to the local economy.
Despite the prolonged disruption, the municipality has failed to provide residents with a clear restoration timeline or an adequate emergency water supply plan.
The DA calls on Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality to urgently repair the affected infrastructure, deploy water tankers according to a publicly communicated schedule and provide daily updates until normal supply is restored.
We further call for the intervention of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and the Department of Water and Sanitation to assist in resolving the crisis.
With just three days remaining before the Local Government Elections on 4 November, residents have an opportunity to demand accountability for failing basic services and determine the future of their municipality.
Two weeks without reliable water is two weeks too long. We have a proven track record of delivering reliable basic services in municipalities where we govern, demonstrating what accountable and effective local government can achieve.
Our message is clear: Vote DA on 4 November. Stop the Chaos. Start Service Delivery.