The taps in the Merafong Local Municipality (Carletonville, Fochville, Wedela) are running dry after Rand Water reduced the water supply to the Municipality by an additional 20% on Tuesday.
Rand Water had already reduced the Municipality’s water supply by 20% a year ago, which caused widespread water issues at the time.
Several residents in high-lying areas have been without water since yesterday (Wednesday).
On 2 July, the Municipality extended an olive branch to Rand Water by paying R50 million of its outstanding water debt, but this was not nearly enough to make a dent in its R1,4 billion debt.
Rand Water had approached the Johannesburg High Court due to Merafong’s failure to pay its historical debt.
On 12 June, the Court ruled that Merafong must submit a proposal to Rand Water by 30 July this year, outlining how it plans to settle the outstanding debt.
The Municipality did not make the deadline, prompting Rand Water to reduce its water supply by an additional 20%.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) sent a letter to the Municipal Manager, Dumisani Mabuza, and the Mayor, Nozuko Best, urging them to promptly address the matter as Merafong’s residents are bearing the brunt of their dereliction.
It is high time that the Municipality takes action against defaulting residents and water theft.
Meanwhile, paying residents are being punished for the ANC’s mismanagement of the Municipality.
The only solution to the service delivery and financial crisis in which Merafong currently finds itself is to oust the ANC.
Not even the provincial government’s intervention is currently making any difference in the Municipality.
