Pictures of community members in the area of Doornpan collecting water from what seems like a small river or a dam, have been circulated on social media. 

It’s alleged that residents have been without water since 24 December 2022. Speaking to OFM News, Matjhabeng municipal spokesperson, Tshediso Tlali, acknowledged that residents of Matjhabeng have recently been struggling with water cuts. 

According to Tlali, a pipe burst resulted in water cuts. The municipality struggled to get it fixed in time, as companies that supply the municipality with the needed materials, were closed for the festive season. Wards 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 were without water as a result of the pipe burst. He added that even though the municipality fixed the pipe on Tuesday, the pipe burst again just as the water supply was being restored to most areas. The area of Doornpan's water supply is always restored later as it is situated in a high-lying area. 

Tlali said the municipality deployed trucks during the water supply interruption, however, the trucks could not reach all areas as they only have three water trucks at their disposal.

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Matjhabeng has recently been subjected to water cuts due to deteriorated infrastructure which result in continued pipe bursts. The Democratic Alliance's (DA) Member of Parliament and delegate to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for the Free State, George Michalakis, recently tabled a motion in Parliament, requesting that the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), along with the Matjhabeng Municipality to appear before the committee and present a clear plan and timeline for the upgrade of the infrastructure. Michalakis stated that 60% of water meant for household usage is lost every day due to failing infrastructure.

ALSO READ: Matjhabeng residents plagued by water disruptions

Action SA Chairperson in the Free State, Patricia Kopane, had also lashed out at the lack of service delivery in Matjhabeng which has left residents stranded and hopeless.

OFM News