Mismanagement of water – ‘beyond Sol Plaatje’s control’
Philip Vorster, DA-councillor, says unprecedented levels of water mismanagement are now way beyond the control of Sol Plaatje municipality, in its current state.
Water takeover is 'Sol’s only hope' Photo: Canva
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape will support a community driven initiative to take over control of water management in Sol Plaatje municipality.
Philip Vorster, DA-councillor, says unprecedented levels of water mismanagement are now way beyond the control of Sol Plaatje municipality, in its current state.
“This again became evident today, as Sol Plaatje cancelled its informal council meeting at which feedback on the water crisis was due to be presented.
“While the Speaker was apparently having trouble logging on, the majority of councillors couldn’t make the meeting because of an ANC funeral. The cancellation of the meeting, about a half hour late, shows complete disregard for the utter chaos that Sol Plaatje has dumped on city residents.
“Waterflow from Riverton to the Newton Reservoir meanwhile continues to drop day by day, causing water to be shut off earlier and earlier, way ahead of the daily scheduled shutdown from 2pm until 5am.
“Yesterday, the last of the so-called purified water at Riverton travelled through the pipeline at 10:30. This means Kimberley received about three and a half hours less of scheduled water supply than it should have.
“Schools are being forced to close early, hostel learners are being sent home and deprived of an education, old age homes are struggling to care for their residents, health facilities are at threat of poor infection control and shops are losing business. At the same time, there is growing pressure on disaster management and private donors, to sustain adequate water supply via tanker and JoJo tanks.
“This leaves two options. Either Coghsta must take over management of the municipality, or the community must. Given COGHSTA’s poor track record in terms of placing municipalities under administration, this leaves only the latter option.
“The DA will support a community driven initiative, guided by experts, to take control of water management in Sol Plaatje. As discussions are underway, we appeal to all citizens to think along the same lines because until the ANC is voted out of power, this is our only hope.”
