Premier Bushy Maape said the municipality has resorted to connecting additional generators to ensure the continued supply of water from the main water treatment plant. The municipality had further requested Eskom to isolate the municipality from load-shedding for a period of 21 days, from 9 until 31 March, to ensure water reservoirs are filled to address the water crisis. 

"The municipality also requested assistance from the provincial administration and a number of water trucks were provided. The municipality is busy with the construction of a 25-megaliter water reservoir in Extension 7 to ensure there is an increased and sustainable water supply to the townships," he said.

Maape said the construction of the reservoir is being done through the municipal infrastructure grant. The reservoir is expected to be completed in early 2024. Residents of JB Marks were previously warned to boil water before they consumed it. This follows a breakdown at the Old Potchefstroom water treatment facility.

ALSO READ: JB Marks Municipality warns residents to boil water

The municipality also had to initiate water quality checks after receiving messages about the quality of the water.

ALSO READ: JB Marks municipality initiates water quality test

A DA councillor, Hans-Jurie Moolman, revealed the municipality had spent close to R4 billion on unauthorised, irregular and wasteful expenditures in the past ten years. 

ALSO READ: Billions allegedly unaccounted for at municipality

He further said another issue that resurfaced is the National Treasury grants, which are not spent due to a serious lack of capacity in management. "The Treasury is now withholding grants because municipalities are not spending them."

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