Water crisis grips Maluti-a-Phofung

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality is in the throes of a severe water crisis, compounded by the executive mayor’s unresponsiveness.

And in the midst of growing frustration, both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the MAP16 Civic Movement have issued urgent calls for action.

In an open letter to the executive mayor Malekula Melato and the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for water and sanitation Neo Motaung, Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Alison Oates expressed the dire situation.“In the name of God, please be aware that we have regular updates that water supply is out of commission in various areas, and some areas have not had water for months or years.

“These is an immediate increase in water tankers, prevention of vandalism, and implementation of a bold water infrastructure replenishment plan. R2 billion in funds is available for the Vaal Central region, so I urge the authorities to act out of compassion.”The MAP16 Civic Movement, through councillor Paratlane Motloung, echoed these concerns, highlighting the severe impact on the most vulnerable.

“The people of Maluti-a-Phofung continue to suffer the indignity of living without water for days, weeks, and in some areas, even months and years. Water is a human right in terms of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and it’s inconceivable how the municipality expects its people to live without this basic commodity.

“How do you service the entire Qwaqwa with just two or three water tankers, and Harrismith with one water tanker? It’s crazy and bizarre to say the least.”

The ongoing crisis has left communities unable to meet their basic needs. Residents are forced to rely on scarce water tankers that often fall short of the demand, and there is widespread frustration with the slow pace of government intervention.

Motloung urged the community to rally against what he described as “the worst treatment” by the municipality, calling for the provision of basic services as guaranteed by the South African constitution.

In response to the community’s growing concerns and showing of frustration through protests in numerous communities, MAP16 has announced plans to petition the municipal speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini for an urgent council meeting to discuss the water crisis. The meeting will address the council’s previous resolution that the executive mayor must present a maintenance plan for both water and electricity.

According to the communication manager at MAPWater Tebogo Radebe water levels at Fikapatso Dam dropped to 48.84 percent on 9 October 2024. This dam supplies water to 85 percent of QwaQwa’s residents, and the reduced levels are causing significant challenges, particularly in higher areas struggling to receive water due to low pressure.

“Reservoirs are not filling properly, and vandalism at the booster pump station is hindering efforts to extract water when levels fall below 40 percent. To address the crisis, MAPWater has implemented water restrictions, including scheduled supply, rationing, and public awareness campaigns.

“An action plan is in place, focusing on reviewing the restrictions, collaborating with communities, and encouraging water conservation. There are only three water tankers, one services Harrismith while two service the community of Qwaqwa. We are busy finalizing a program aimed to advert the crisis that the CEO must still review and then take to the MM to approve,” Radebe said to this publication.