The handover of the memorandum began with a peaceful march from the DA’s headquarters through the Central Business District of Bloemfontein to the OR Tambo House, which houses the Premier’s office. 

Leading the march was the DA’s provincial leader, Roy Jankielsohn, who explained that the memorandum does not only include challenges, it also includes the possible solutions that they believe could help. Jankielsohn mentioned that one of the reasons for the unsafe water that residents in the province consume is the raw sewage that runs into streams, rivers, through fields, yards and the streets of residents. He is of the view that the water challenges that are being experienced are a result of poor basic service delivery by the provincial government.

“One of the main reasons for the poor municipal services, that include the lack of or poor construction and management of sewage plants, as well as water supply and quality problems, relates to poor financial management,” the memorandum reads. Some of the possible reasons included in the memorandum are:

•The non-payment by residents and a culture of non-payment by municipalities to water boards.

•Poor planning, financial mismanagement and lack of prioritisation of funds towards basic service delivery.

•Ageing water-related infrastructure and poor maintenance of infrastructure.

Receiving the memorandum on behalf of the provincial premier, Sisi Ntombela, was the Premier’s Office’s chief of staff, Manko Buffel – who stated she is confident that Ntombela and the Executive Committee will go over the memorandum and reply soon. 

At the moment of receiving the memorandum, Buffel said Ntombela is at Jagersfontein, offering support following the tragedy.

ALSO READ: Sedibeng Water reaches the end of an era

OFM News recently reported that the bulk water supplier Sedibeng Water has reached an end of an era after almost 43 years of existence. Sedibeng Water is owed R7 billion by different municipalities. At the time, the Acting Chief Executive, Toto Molobye, confirmed the decision was approved by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu. The jobs of the people who worked at Sedibeng Water are, however, secured. Bloem Water’s Maruping Rapudungoane previously assured OFM News that there will be no employee from the water board that will be retrenched as a result of the disestablishment process. The biggest challenge they were facing as an entity was the recovery of money owed to them by municipalities. The acting chairperson of the Sedibeng waterboard, Sphetho Siyengo, said at the time, that it is difficult for them to do their jobs when the municipalities don't do their part.

Sedibeng Waterboard’s assets and liabilities, including staff, will be transferred to Magalies and Bloem Water Boards. Members of the public and all interested parties are invited to comment in writing on the disestablishment of the board. The Department of Water and Sanitation has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that there is a smooth transition of the disestablishment and that water service provision to communities is not affected.

ALSO READ: 'Mangaung loses 46% of its water due to leakages'

Mangaung Metro Municipality has been reported to be losing about 46% of its water that could have been supplied to residents. The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, said the loss was due to water pipe leakages. He said these water pipes have not been maintained or repaired. During President Cyril Ramaphosa's Presidential Imbizo in Bloemfontein, Mchunu announced that at least two projects worth at least R500 million were in the pipeline to supply water to Mangaung residents who are often irate about the re-occurring water supply cuts. OFM News previously reported that his department plans to take over the two portfolios of Water and Sanitation in at least three Free State municipalities.

ALSO READ: MAP Water improves infrastructure

Meanwhile, resolutions for water supply problems in the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality are being prioritised. According to the Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Water spokesperson, Kelopiloe Mogake, the municipality has recently purchased a raw water pump from Germany to the value of R270 595. The new water pump is to ensure that enough water is available to the community and, after more than ten years of challenges with water supply, the pump will soon be by the end of October. MAP Water has also stated that water tankers will be dispatched to affected areas after a 700mm mainline pipe burst at Thaba-Tsoeu. The tankers will supply the community with water until repairs are completed and the supply is restored.

ALSO READ: All waterless areas in Bloemfontein to have water

Bloemfontein residents have previously spent a couple of days without water due to water pipes repairs. Most of the areas that were affected included the south of Bloemfontein and it took at least 36 hours for the completion of the water pipes.

OFM News