The ongoing water crisis in the troubled Masilonyana local municipality was caused by vandalism at the water treatment plant on 13 December 2023, leaving residents anxious about the financial feasibility of repairs, given the municipality’s ongoing struggles, including consistent delays in paying its workers throughout 2023.

Nadia du Toit, a local resident, said the festive season was bleak for them, with the lack of water having significant impact on both households and businesses. Despite the municipality’s efforts to dispatch water trucks, Van Tiaan noted that one truck is currently broken while another two are stranded without diesel. 

She said the community has been relying on only one truck, with some residents not receiving any water since 16 December.

‘We are really suffering’

Another local, Thato Sethoba, told OFM News that residents have been waking up at 5am to queue for water trucks that sometimes only arrive late in the evening. “We are really suffering, both young and old. We don’t know how we are going to live without water,” she said.

Meanwhile, Masilonyana FF Plus Councillor Willem Potgieter confirmed the municipality has started with repairs at the vandalised water treatment plant. However, it remains unclear when it will be finished. Apparently the municipality has stopped water trucks from dispatching water to the community.

Resident Jean Marks expressed frustration at the water crisis and said he is concerned about hygiene. He criticised the municipality for its lack of communication, adding that residents haven’t received any water tanks in town despite numerous requests.

OFM News has sent an inquiry to municipality and is awaiting its reply.

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