The Democratic Alliance in Warrenton has launched a petition calling for the urgent installation of additional Jo-Jo tanks in the old Slangheuwel area of the Chris Hani settlement, where approximately 150 households have been left to rely on just two water tanks for their daily water needs.
Many residents of the area enjoyed running water, from communal taps, until three years ago, when the water dried up after work was done on the pipeline that runs along the N12. For others, water dried up a year ago, with no explanation and no subsequent action from the municipality
For them, this is not simply an inconvenience, it is a daily hardship. Elderly residents and those with mobility challenges are expected to carry heavy containers of water back to their homes, despite being physically unable to do so. Their dignity, health and quality of life have deteriorated significantly as a result.
The situation is made worse by the layout of the area, with parts of the settlement divided by the busy N12 national road. Some residents are forced to cross this high-traffic route simply to fetch water, placing them at unnecessary risk every day.
The Magareng Municipality has failed residents on two fronts. Firstly, it has not addressed the underlying cause of the prolonged water outages. Secondly, it has failed to implement adequate interim measures to ensure sustainable access to water while the problem remains unresolved.
This neglect was further exposed when the two existing Jo-Jo tanks were removed for maintenance without any alternative water supply being provided, leaving residents without a single drop of water. Such poor planning demonstrates a complete disregard for the community.
The DA is collecting signatures for a petition demanding immediate action from the municipality. In addition to installing at least two additional Jo-Jo tanks, Magareng must also attend to the root cause of the water crisis in the Chris Hani, and ensure that no resident is forced to risk their health, safety or dignity simply to access this basic human right.