Residents of the Matjhabeng Municipality continue to suffer from persistent water leaks leading to water cuts due to dilapidated infrastructure.

On Friday (6/10), Welkom residents were informed of an emergency shutdown as a result of a major leak on the KSB line, from a chamber at the entrance of the De Erf Pump Station. 

The community of  Welkom has been without water for the past four days as a result of this reported pipe burst.

Water is leaking at a pump station in Matjhabeng. Photo supplied

Matjhabeng has been losing 56% of its clean, billed water on leakages – amounting to approximately R324 million annually. 

Municipal spokesperson, Tshiliso Tladi, told OFM News municipality has been working overtime to address the challenges of water leakages. He said since the intervention, 56% of water leakage crises have been reduced to 40%.

Vaal Central Water communications and marketing manager, Lindiwe Mguni, said the entity has been working around the clock to ensure water is restored soon since the emergency shutdown.

A pipe burst was reported at a Matjhabeng Water Pump Station. Photo: Facebook

“The skewering of the pipeline has been successfully completed. The team deployed there has actually commenced with the actual repairs. The estimated time for the repairs to be concluded is Tuesday (10/10), at 4 am.”

Mguni assured residents water tankers will be dispatched to affected areas, whilst reservoirs will be monitored as water levels become critical to lessen the impact of supply disruptions.

Resident and opposition councillors continue to slam Mtjhabeng leadership over poor service delivery.

“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,” said Matjhabend DA Councillor René Steyn.

EFF intervenes in Matjhabeng amidst the water crisis. Photo: Facebook/FS EFF

Meanwhile, Free State EFF representatives, led by the provincial chairperson, Maphaule Liphoko, conducted an oversight visit at Riebeckstad in Welkom, after receiving a complaint about a water leak that was reported to the Municipality in August, but nothing was done. 

The intervention led by Liphoko ensured that the pipe was shut off to prevent further water leakage.

OFM News