The Democratic Alliance has reiterated our call on the Municipal Manager of the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, Mr Elias Ntoba, to urgently explain the cause of the ongoing water crisis in Flora Park, provide a clear timeline for restoring normal water pressure, and confirm when the major water leak in the area will be repaired.
Residents of Flora Park, Upington, have endured extremely low water pressure for more than three weeks while the municipality continues to ignore repeated complaints and a significant water leak. The problem affects residents in Besembos Avenue, Soetdoring, Kameeldoring and surrounding streets.
Numerous complaints have been logged, and I have personally raised the matter with municipal officials, including the Director and the Municipal Manager. Despite repeated assurances that the problem would be resolved, residents are still waiting for action.
Water pressure in Besembos Laan is currently around 100 kPa, well below what is required for normal domestic use. To make matters worse, water from the municipal line has at times been visibly dirty, resembling canal water rather than treated drinking water.
If the cause is simply a closed valve or a blockage, it should have been fixed weeks ago. Instead, ratepaying residents are left without sufficient water pressure to carry out basic household activities such as running washing machines and household water systems.
Meanwhile, a substantial municipal water leak alongside the residential area has been left unattended, wasting thousands of litres of treated water while residents struggle to access enough water in their homes. There is every reason for the municipality to investigate whether this leak is contributing to the pressure problems.
Residents are paying for a service they are simply not receiving. Provision of reliable, clean water is a basic municipal responsibility. Those who pay their rates and taxes deserve better than an excess of 21 days of excuses and inaction.
Mr Ntoba owes residents an urgent explanation and decisive action. Flora Park residents are entitled to a reliable and clean water supply and the municipality must stop making promises and start delivering.