Sol Plaatje Municipality Fails to Deliver on Promised Water Restoration, Residents Left Frustrated

September 6, 2023

KIMBERLEY – In a disappointing turn of events, residents of parts of the city experienced not just a temporary water interruption, but an extended one, as the Sol Plaatje Municipality failed to restore water supply as promised. The temporary water interruption, initially scheduled for a short period due to emergency maintenance repairs at Riverton, ended up leaving residents with little to no water from their taps.

The situation worsened when the municipality had to switch off Newton Reservoir to ensure that the system did not run dry. Residents were assured that as soon as the repairs were complete, water would be restored during the night. However, this promise was left unfulfilled, leaving residents frustrated and dealing with inconveniences caused by the lack of water supply.

On 6 September 2023, an update from the community on social media highlighted the ongoing issue with Newton Reservoir, stating that all areas serviced by the reservoir would continue to face low to no water pressure. Despite the growing concerns among residents, the municipality failed to provide any formal update regarding the reasons for the delay in water restoration.

This lack of communication and transparency from the Sol Plaatje Municipality has left residents feeling let down and ignored. With no warning or explanation provided, residents have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, questioning why the municipality has remained silent on the matter.

Amidst the mounting pressure, an urgent council meeting has been scheduled for 13h00 on the same day to discuss the current water situation. Residents hope that this meeting will shed some light on the issues at hand and provide the much-needed feedback they deserve.

The failure of the Sol Plaatje Municipality to address the concerns of its residents highlights a lack of accountability and responsibility. As a public service provider, the municipality has a duty to communicate effectively with its residents and ensure their basic needs are met. The ongoing water interruption and the subsequent lack of updates have further eroded the trust and confidence that residents have in their local government.

It is now imperative for the Sol Plaatje Municipality to take immediate action, not only to resolve the water supply issue but also to rebuild the trust of its residents through transparent communication and efficient service delivery. Only then can the frustration and disappointment be replaced with confidence and satisfaction in the municipality’s ability to meet the needs of its residents.