Bloemwater has confirmed in writing that it refuses to release water from the Rustfontein Dam to the Mockes Dam because the Mangaung Metro has defaulted on its monthly account for the last three months. Taps in the north of Bloemfontein could possibly start running dry as soon as this evening.
At present, no water is being fed into the empty Mockes Dam amid the heatwave and sustained drought.
Clearly this crisis is just a continuation of the long-drawn-out dispute between Bloemwater and the Metro regarding, among other things, outstanding debt.
At present, the Rustfontein Dam does have enough water to bring immediate relief to the north of Bloemfontein.
The FF Plus has sent letters of demand to the Mangaung Metro and Bloemwater. The Metro has been placed on terms and the FF Plus has given the parties until Friday the 29th of November to find a solution and to reopen the water gates. If action is not taken to find a feasible solution in time, the FF Plus will take legal steps.
The Mangaung Metro has a contractual as well as a constitutional duty towards its residents to provide them with water.
The Metro's poor planning and incompetent officials are hampering its attempts to do crisis management amid the severe drought. Now residents have to pay the price because the Metro is reactive and only pays attention to crises when it is already too late.
It is unacceptable that residents are deprived of their constitutional right to water due to the dispute between the Mangaung Metro and Bloemwater.
The FF Plus acts in the best interests of the community and will take the necessary steps to ensure that residents' basic needs are met.
Contact details: 082 674 6670
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