The recurring water outages affecting Randfontein and surrounding areas cannot go on, so, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) sent a letter about the issue to the Executive Mayor of Rand West City, Mr William Matsheke.
The party demands to know why the water crisis still has not been resolved after nearly three years.
Residents constantly experience recurring water shortages and low water pressure. The Municipality’s mismanagement must not be tolerated.
The Freedom Front Plus enquired, among other things, whether the Municipality has settled its outstanding water bill or honoured its repayment agreement with Rand Water. Residents have the right to know the actual state of affairs.
Rand Water restricted the water supply by 20% in the past due to outstanding debt, and the consequences are still felt to this day.
At the same time, almost 60% of municipal water is lost due to burst pipes, leaking reservoirs and poor maintenance. All this amid a serious water shortage.
The party posed the following questions to the Mayor:
• What are the exact causes of the recurring water outages in Rand West City?
• Which reservoirs, pump stations and pipelines are contributing to the current problems?
• To what extent can the water problems be attributed to electricity faults, mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance, infrastructure decay, insufficient bulk water supply or poor operational management?
• What maintenance and rehabilitation programmes have been implemented over the past three financial years?
• What amounts were earmarked and actually spent on water infrastructure, repairs, upgrades and replacements?
• What measures have been taken to ensure that reservoirs maintain adequate water levels and that pumping operations are managed efficiently?
• What contingency plans are in place to supply residents with water during prolonged outages?
• Why do residents repeatedly experience outages, without proper and timely communication from the Municipality’s side?
• What concrete measures will be introduced to put an end to the constant outages?
Issuing a statement on the problem is not enough.
Residents deserve a practical, measurable action plan that will ensure reliable water supply. The Municipality is, therefore, encouraged to provide such a plan in writing, which the Freedom Front Plus will examine and execute.
On 4 November, Rand West City residents have the opportunity to vote for the Freedom Front Plus, which prioritises communities and their basic needs.
