As parts of De Aar have again been left without water for over two weeks, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the Emthanjeni Municipality immediately restores water provision to all affected areas and that Mayor Gladwell Nkumbi provides clear communication on the causes of the outage and timelines for resolution.
This is especially urgent following today’s breakdown of the Western booster pump, which threatens to further worsen an already critical situation.
The worst-affected areas include De Aar Wes, Solheim, Rantsig, Blomerus, and surrounding communities. Residents are being forced to fetch water at their own expense, including in areas like De Villiers Street, placing severe strain on households and small businesses.
Vulnerable institutions are at breaking point. House Hebron, which cares for infants, relies on guest houses for water, while guest house owners transport water between facilities without municipal support. An old-age home with around 40 residents also continues to struggle without reliable supply.
The crisis is compounded by ongoing water leaks, including one at the corner of Visser and Cilliers Street that has run for over nine months without repair.
Equally concerning is the continued silence from municipal leadership. Despite repeated requests, the Mayor and Municipal Manager have failed to respond publicly, further eroding trust.
The DA has contacted Mayor Nkumbi, demanding urgent intervention and answers as to why water tanks are not consistently filled as an interim measure, and why certain sectors are excluded from supply.
It is unacceptable that three months after a R20 million allocation for water and sanitation upgrades, secured through DA pressure on government, that there is still no visible improvement, nor clarity on the rollout of the Caroluspoort and Northern water schemes expected by May and June.
The DA has previously escalated Emthanjeni’s water failures to the Premier, the Northern Cape Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), COGHSTA, and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and has laid criminal charges against the municipality.
The DA will intensify pressure until water supply is restored and accountability enforced. Residents cannot be left without water while the municipality fails in its most basic duty.