The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is calling on the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to urgently intervene in the escalating water crisis in the Dawid Kruiper municipality.
Upington has faced chronic water shortages for years, worsened by ageing infrastructure, failed maintenance, and poor municipal decisions.
The situation deteriorated after Christmas when a pump failed, followed by additional breakdowns that left Kalksloot and Klippunt without water for one week. On Thursday, the town’s third pump burnt out amid soaring temperatures, leaving the town reliant on a single pump, capable of meeting only a third of demand.
More areas, including Paballello, Dakotaweg and the industrial zone, are now without water, while other areas receive an intermittent and insufficient supply. A shack in the Port Beton area of Dakota also burnt down as a direct result of water shortages in neighbouring areas. Local businesses are also suffering, including a winery that is at risk of losing much of its grape harvest due to inadequate water for cooling purposes.
The DA has no confidence in the municipality to resolve the crisis because:
• The municipality declined an opportunity to service all four pumps in November, which could have prevented the breakdowns.
• Repairs will be handled by a Johannesburg company with a minimum three-month turnaround.
• Efforts by the DA to help secure a rental and replacement pump were blocked by officials failing to provide the mayor with specifications.
• It is impossible for the municipality’s three water trucks to meet town-wide demand.
• The South African Defence Force (SANDF) is no longer able to provide water tankering support, as it did in the past.
The DA has called on DWS to help provide emergency water support and implement short and long-term solutions.
The DA will also hold the municipality accountable, demanding a full explanation and a clear recovery plan with timelines.
Mismanagement of water infrastructure cannot continue to compromise access to this basic human right.