The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reiterated our fight for the urgent installation of communal taps for the residents of the informal settlement near Poort Beton in Upington, who continue to face unacceptable living conditions without piped water.
Despite promises made by Dawid Kruiper that taps would be installed by the end of October 2025, no real progress has been made.
About three weeks ago, a single water tank was delivered to service the entire community, after they have had to manage for years without consistent water supply. This, however, is not a sustainable solution. Especially when considering that the necessary water pipeline infrastructure is already in place in the informal settlement.
Installing communal taps would be a far more reliable and cost-effective solution than ongoing water tanker deliveries. It is estimated that it would cost approximately R30 000 to install and connect taps to the existing pipeline network. This would be a once-off investment that would provide long-term relief and dignity, as opposed to the twice weekly filling of the JoJo by water tanker, that costs approximately R3000 per trip.
The DA has submitted a motion in council calling for the urgent installation of taps, as well as ablution facilities for the people living in the settlement near Poort Beton, to ensure residents have access to basic sanitation and dignified living conditions. We will continue to pursue this matter with urgency.
Access to water is a basic human right and it is unnecessary and unacceptable that residents are still being denied this fundamental service.