In response to OFM News’ questions on the matter, the municipality released a statement by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Maluti-a-Phofung Water (Map Water), Mpolai Ramulondi, who acknowledges the water constraints in Harrismith.

Ramulondi attributes the challenges to a lack of rain amidst heat waves which has resulted in the Wilge River running dry. The river feeds the Wilge Water Plant. This has forced MAP to look at alternative water sources, specifically the Sterkfontein Dam.

DA Member of the Provincial Legislature, Leona Kleynhans, says the dam is 95% full and some of the water is being released from there to a pumping station located near Nuwejaarspruit. This is where another problem emerges. The pumping station at Nuwejaarspruit cannot supply water for 100 000 people, because it was never designed to be the main station for the town. Kleynhans estimates that close to 100 000 people have been affected by the situation. The Map Water Acting CEO says officials are doing what they can, but they are not producing enough water at this stage to keep up with the demand. This has resulted in parts of Harrismith running dry, “lower areas are having water and top areas are struggling since our water reservoirs are at the minimal levels.” The municipality urges residents to call Map Water for any enquiries. “Map Water would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused. For further enquiries with regard to the above matter, residents are requested to call Map Water,” concludes the statement. This while frustrated residents have expressed their concerns on social media regarding the matter.

OFM News