The water supply to Tsantsabane Local Municipality was restored to an “acceptable level” this week after restrictions were imposed due to millions of rand owed to the water board.
THE WATER supply to Tsantsabane Local Municipality was restored to an “acceptable level” this week after restrictions were imposed due to millions of rand owed to the water board.
The DA reported Tsantsabane Municipality and Vaal Central Water Board to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for their “collective failure” to ensure access to a sustainable supply of water.
Tsantsabane DA councillor James Boucher said a number of areas including Boichoko, Airifields and Mountain View in Postmasburg were left “high and dry” from August 1 as a result of the “massive outstanding debt exceeding R118 million”.
“Poor financial management by the municipality must be urgently addressed as people’s basic right to water is being violated,” said Boucher.
“I have requested an urgent intervention, to facilitate an agreement or debt relief programme between the municipality and the water board to ensure that the municipality meets its financial obligations in future.”
He indicated that the water supply had been restored to about 70 percent capacity on August 5.
“The municipality lodged a dispute as the water metre readings were apparently faulty.”
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Babalwa Mzambo, said the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, organised a meeting with the Vaal Central Water Board, Tsantsabane Municipality, Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul and representatives from Coghsta this week to address the water crisis and outstanding debt payments.
“A deadline of seven days was set for the water board, Coghsta and the Office of the Premier to brainstorm solutions and devise payment arrangements with the water board,” said Mzambo.
She added that it was agreed that water restrictions should be immediately lifted, however, some areas are still experiencing low water pressure.
Mzambo stated that MEC Bentley Vass, Coghsta officials, the Tsantsabane municipal mayor and the manager had also met with representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation to discuss the water challenges.
“The water supply to the local municipality was disrupted due to the Vaal Central Water Board restricting the water supply, leaving communities with a low-pressurised supply of water.”
She added that a task team was formed to address outstanding water bill issues with the Vaal Central Water Board.
“The team has presented a proposal to the board outlining a payment plan. Despite the belief of being overcharged due to the absence of water metre readings, the municipality managed to pay R5 million to the water board. This payment, together with the tentative payment plan, will see the uplifting of the restrictions from 30 percent to an acceptable flow of water.”
Mzambo said that the municipality had also outlined plans to fill vacant senior positions.
