NORTHERN CAPE – Residents of Kimberley have been left frustrated and disillusioned by the recent announcement from the Sol Plaatje Municipality regarding the nightly water shutdowns. While the municipality claims that this measure is necessary due to rising temperatures and increased water usage, the reality is that the city has been plagued by water supply issues for years.
The spokesperson for the municipality, Thoko Riet, stated that the shutdowns are necessary to restore full capacity at the Newton Reservoir. However, this explanation falls short of addressing the ongoing concerns of the community and rate-paying residents who have been dealing with water shortages night after night, even before the onset of summer.
The municipality’s decision to blame the summer weather for the water supply issues is seen as a feeble attempt to shift the blame away from their own inability to provide a consistent water supply to the residents of Kimberley. This conveniently ignores the fact that the nightly shutdowns have become a regular occurrence in the city over the past few months.
The lack of transparency and effective communication from the Sol Plaatje Municipality is another point of contention for the residents. The specified times for the nightly shutdowns have often been disregarded, leaving residents without water for longer periods than anticipated. This lack of reliability and disregard for the inconvenience caused to residents only exacerbates their frustration.
It is high time that the Sol Plaatje Municipality takes responsibility for the chronic water supply issues that have plagued Kimberley for far too long. The residents deserve a solution that addresses the underlying problem, rather than a temporary fix that only serves to further disrupt their daily lives.
As rate-paying residents, they have a right to demand accountability and immediate action from the municipality. It is imperative for the Sol Plaatje Municipality to invest in infrastructure improvements and implement long-term measures to ensure a consistent and reliable water supply for the entire community.
In the face of an ongoing water crisis, it is vital for the municipality to listen to the concerns of its residents and work towards finding a permanent solution to this issue. The people of Kimberley deserve better than empty promises and repetitive nightly shutdowns — it is time for the municipality to step up and prioritize the needs of the community.
Tags: Sol Plaatje Municipality