Despite this, the Water Board failed to confirm whether or not these outstanding bills are the reason residents in parts of the town were left without water last week. OFM News earlier reported that residents in parts of Kathu had for more than five days been without water, with community members thinking the municipality’s debt to the Water Board was the reason for the power cuts.  Responding to a written set of questions, the board in a very diplomatic response told OFM News that even though the municipality previously distanced itself from allegations that it was to blame for the water cuts, the Water Board too, was not to be blamed. 

The Sedibeng Water Board stated that it is only responsible for water supplied to the east of Kathu and would not be in a better position to comment on other parts of this Northern Cape town. The board referred OFM News back to the municipality. While the water utility would not confirm whether or not it is true that water cuts in Kathu last week were owing to the municipality’s debt to it or also how much the debt is worth, it confirmed that negotiations with the municipality to settle the outstanding debt are ongoing and are at an advanced stage.

OFM News