The Kimberley Prospector

Residents across various suburbs affected by the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley have expressed their frustration and concern over the ongoing water crisis that has left many without access to this essential resource for an extended period. The city has been grappling with water shortages, impacting daily lives and prompting residents to question the effectiveness of Sol Plaatje Municipality’s response.

Numerous residents filled in The Kimberley Prospector’s Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form to share their individual experiences and concerns. The challenges raised by residents highlight the severity and far-reaching consequences of the water scarcity issue.

Over 79 reports from residents including 57 opinions expressing their dire situation have already been received, with the most affected areas identified as Belgravia, Herlear, Hadison Park, Beaconsfield, and South Ridge.

57 Residents Express Dire Situation

Here is a summarization of the voices from Kimberley:

1. Residents express distress due to an ongoing water shortage, highlighting the unbearable conditions caused by the heat and the absence of Jojo tanks provided by the Municipality.
2. Concerns arise regarding the transparency of the Mayor’s communication, as residents question the accuracy of reassuring statements on television when the city is facing water shortages.
3. Senior citizens living in difficult conditions emphasize that the water crisis violates the Constitution of South Africa. They demand accountability for the frequent disruptions that impact their lives and lead to dying gardens.
4. Residents, struggling with the heatwave, share the impact on animals, plants, and household hygiene. They express frustration with the lack of water for basic needs, causing discomfort and health issues.
5. Residents describe the water crisis as a total nightmare, making it challenging to maintain a clean house, do laundry, or have a decent bath. They hold Sol Plaatje accountable for the failure to address the situation effectively.
6. Dissatisfaction with Sol Plaatje’s performance is voiced, with residents criticizing employees for lacking essential knowledge and not prioritizing residents’ needs.
7. Belgravia residents specifically highlight additional water problems since October 2023, expressing frustration over the lack of improvement despite continuous complaints to Sol Plaatje and the ward councillor.
8. The water crisis in Belgravia prompts residents to question the municipality’s billing practices, with high accounts for minimal water supply and no clear explanation.
9. Residents have expressed frustration over the unavailability of water since Tuesday, highlighting the unbearable living conditions during a prolonged heatwave and the impact on daily life.
10. Frustration mounts as promises of water restoration go unmet, with residents questioning the municipality’s ability to manage the crisis effectively.
11. Concerns about water scarcity extend beyond inconvenience, with residents emphasizing the health risks, dirty toilets, and the inability to maintain personal hygiene.
12. Residents express dissatisfaction with the municipality’s handling of the water crisis, demanding a vote of no confidence in the mayor and accountability for allocated funds.
13. The impact of the water crisis extends to businesses, with residents contemplating selling properties and leaving Kimberley due to deteriorating conditions.
14. Residents criticize the municipality’s communication, labelling it as vague, copy-and-paste, and expressing disappointment in the lack of respect for ratepayers.
15. Belgravia residents report a lack of water, street lights, and numerous civic issues, questioning the purpose of paying municipal fees for nonexistent services.
16. Residents express frustration over continuous pipe and leak repairs without a corresponding improvement in water supply, citing incompetence and lack of planning.
17. A resident suggests laying new pipelines from Riverton and building another reservoir outside Kimberley to address the recurring issues with the 900mm pipe.
18. Residents emphasize the plight of old people without water, expressing anger at the inequality in water distribution within the town.
19. Frustration rises as residents observe other areas watering gardens while their taps remain dry, fueling discontent with the municipality’s management.
20. Residents criticize the municipality for running around without effective solutions, highlighting the need for competent crisis management.
21. Perceived disparities in water supply across different parts of town lead residents to question the municipality’s priorities and commitment to equal service delivery.
22. Residents lament the denial of basic human rights due to water scarcity, expressing a sense of neglect and disappointment in the absence of water trucks.
23. Specific streets, like Uitzight Street, report insufficient water supply, posing challenges for residents to clean properly, provide water for dogs, and bathe kids.
24. Residents experience weak water supply on specific dates, creating frustration as it proves insufficient even to fill the geyser.
25. Ongoing low pressure for months raises concerns about potential pipe damage, leaks, and the need for urgent attention to the deteriorating infrastructure.
26. Excuses and promises from the municipality are deemed insufficient, with residents demanding tangible solutions to fill the taps.
27. Residents express their horror at the unprecedented water crisis, describing it as a horrible experience they haven’t encountered before.
28. Residents criticize the municipality for accepting exorbitant payments while failing to provide essential services like water for weeks, especially impacting those with young children.
29. Residents attribute the water crisis to corruption, questioning the use of rates and taxes for services that are not delivered. The survival of businesses is also at stake.
30. A resident highlights the challenges of daily life without water, expressing frustration with the unavailability of water for bathing, flushing toilets, and washing dishes.
31. Residents express their disillusionment with Sol Plaatje’s lack of concern, demanding water for survival and questioning the municipality’s priorities.
32. Frustration builds as residents endure two weeks without water, with a plea specifically for pensioners who face increased difficulties.
33. Despite Colville having water, the extension remains without water, creating disparities and discontent among residents.

Residents expressed their dismay over the lack of communication, inconsistent water supply, and the negative impact on their daily routines, health, and overall quality of life. The frustration is evident as residents question the efficiency and transparency of Sol Plaatje Municipality’s management of the water crisis.

With more questions than answers keeping waterless residents frustrated.

Kimberley residents are encouraged to share their water challenges through the Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form available at kby.za.net/2023/11/26/did-you-have-water-kimberley-residents-urged-to-share-water-woes/ to contribute to finding swift and effective solutions to the water crisis.

The ongoing water scarcity issue not only poses immediate challenges for residents but also raises concerns about the broader implications for public health, hygiene, and the overall well-being of the Kimberley community. As residents unite to voice their concerns, the municipality is urged to take prompt action and ensure the timely and sustainable provision of water to all affected areas.

The Kimberley Prospector will be reaching out to the South African Human Rights Commission.

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