Concerns have been raised over the challenges of water leakages which have left the streets of the Welkom-based Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State waterlogged.

The DA councillor in Matjhabeng, René Steyn, slammed the local municipality for failing to address critical water leaks in Welkom. She said on Monday (25/9) a significant water leak took place on Koppie Alleen Road, which has since plunged the Sandania neighbourhood into a crisis. A leak at Wedepohl Street, in Riebeeckstad, has been persisting since Thursday 17 August.

The extent of the sewage disaster in the Free State Goldfields shocked members of an oversight committee of the National Council of Provinces and members of the Provincial Legislature in Bloemfontein in September. Photo: Facebook/Welkom City/Stad

“In stark contrast, a leak near the municipality's main building received immediate attention. This discrepancy highlights the municipality's lack of commitment to the welfare of its residents. The municipality's financial mismanagement, causing overtime disputes and worker strikes, has further delayed repairs, worsening the plight of innocent residents.” 

Municipal spokesperson, Tshiliso Tladi, said the municipality has been working overtime to address the challenges of water leakages. Matjhabeng has been losing 56% of its clean billed water to leakages amounting to approximately R324 million annually. Tladi said since the intervention, 56% of water leakage crises have been reduced to 40%. 

He called on residents who have been experiencing leakages to lodge complaints at municipal offices.

OFM News