The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the MEC of COGHSTA to hold Magareng municipality accountable for poor management of the annual “dry week” during which water is shut down for maintenance of Warrenton’s canal.
On Thursday last week, 15 May 2025, the entire town was caught off guard by the scheduled water shutdown after the municipality forgot to communicate the dates to council members and residents. The dates were submitted to the municipality two weeks prior to the shutdown, by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). There is no excuse for not giving residents fair warning to enable them to adequately prepare for the shutdown.
Magareng municipality also failed to make arrangements for alternative water provision to communities. The situation became particularly dire on Saturday, prompting the DA to help supply distressed residents with water.
Despite attempts by the DA to get feedback on the water situation over the weekend, a public notice was only issued by the municipality on Monday, 19 May 2025, four days after water was turned off.
The lack of communication has caused significant frustration and inconvenience to the entire Warrenton community.
The DA has submitted a letter to the COGHSTA MEC and the municipal manager, requesting them to assess Magareng’s response to the “dry week” and to hold officials accountable for leaving residents high and dry, without warning and without alternative water provision.
We have also requested them to ensure the implementation of better management practices to prevent a repeat scenario. This must include:
• Ensuring timeous communication between the DWS, municipal management, council members and residents on all scheduled shutdowns;
• Developing and implementing alternative measures to ensure adequate water provision, to minimize disruptions during maintenance; and
• Providing regular updates to the community on the progress made.
The people of Warrenton, who have for a prolonged time also been burdened with water shortages caused by infrastructure-related issues, deserve improved access to a clean and sustainable water supply.