KIMBERLEY – Residents of the Sol Plaatje Municipality are breathing a sigh of relief as the nightly water shutdowns have been suspended. Thoko Riet, a spokesperson for the Sol Plaatje Municipality, has confirmed that the water levels at Newton and Riverton have now reached full capacity, thus allowing the shutdowns to be suspended.
It has been a difficult month and a half for residents supplied with municipal water by the Newton Reservoir. Due to low water levels, the municipality was forced to implement nightly water shutdowns in order to conserve water. This meant that residents had to go without water for several hours each night, making everyday tasks like showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry much more difficult.
The Sol Plaatje Municipality would like to thank the residents for their patience and understanding during these interruptions. Although the water shutdowns have been suspended, the municipality is still encouraging residents to use water sparingly. This is especially important as the municipality is still in a drought, and it is important to conserve water for the future.
We are relieved that the nightly water shutdowns have been suspended, and we hope that the Sol Plaatje Municipality can continue to provide us with reliable water services.
Newton Reservoir Historical Data A State Secret
Meanwhile, the Executive Mayor-Councillor Kagisho Sonyoni still have to answer the media’s request for the historical data on the water levels at the Newton Reservoir.
A concerned citizen also applied for this information with a PAIA application and this request is due by the 5th of March 2023. He says the Sol Plaatje Municipality has not acknowledged his application request for access to this information. If the municipality fails to respond the matter will fall to the Information Regulator.
He says: “It is wrong for the municipality to withhold information on the water levels of the city’s water supply because it deprives residents of their right to know the facts about their water supply. Without this information, residents may be unaware of any potential problems with the water supply, such as contamination or overuse, which can lead to serious health risks. Additionally, withholding this information can create an atmosphere of distrust between the municipality and its residents, which can impede the municipality’s ability to effectively serve the community. Withholding this information can lead to a lack of accountability, as residents may not be able to hold their elected officials accountable for any potential issues with the water supply.”
Tags: Newton Reservoir