As Kimberley faces an unprecedented water crisis, concerns have emerged about the accuracy and transparency of information being distributed to residents. The Kimberley Prospector, as a community-driven news outlet, stands committed to providing reliable updates, but recent revelations have prompted a re-evaluation of the dissemination of crucial information.
The Kimberley Prospector highlights the challenges faced by community journalists striving to report without financial or political motives. The water crisis, exacerbated by scorching temperatures and intermittent municipal water supply, has become a focal point in the ongoing political battle for control of a beleaguered municipality.
DA Councillor Whittaker, in a recent update, pointed out a discrepancy between the municipality’s promise to restore water between 16:00 and 19:00 and the actual state of affairs he observed at Newton Reservoir – the pumps were turned off, contrary to the municipality’s earlier notices. However, subsequent attempts to clarify this information yielded conflicting responses, with Whittaker remaining silent in response to further confirmation from Thabo Mothibi, the SPM communications manager, that officials at Newton Reservoir affirmed the pumps were indeed turned on, leaving residents in limbo and many areas without water.
The Kimberley Prospector, recognizing the loss of trust and accuracy in recent updates, has decided to adopt a more cautious approach. Thorough investigation and research will precede the broadcasting of any information, ensuring accuracy and a true representation of facts, this will however cause delays but it should be worth it to receive a truthful and accurate account of the information.
In these trying times, residents are urged to exercise caution when receiving copy-paste notices, as political agendas seem to be clouding the dissemination of accurate information. There is a pressing need for accountability and transparency to address residents’ concerns effectively.
Residents Continue to Voice their Concerns
The Kimberley Prospector has been receiving a continuous supply of overwhelming responses from residents struggling without water during the interruptions, with 93 submissions to the Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form as of November 28, up from the 79 received yesterday. This outpouring of information underscores the severity and far-reaching consequences of the water crisis.
#VoteLikeABok
The Kimberley Prospector encourages residents to #VoteLikeABok, stay informed on Vote.za.net to exercise their voting rights and explore diverse political options in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Support Community News
Support for community journalism remains crucial, and residents can contribute in three ways:
- Become a Prospector: Subscribe to The Kimberley Prospector with options starting from R1 once-off, or opt for weekly and monthly contributions at kby.za.net/prospectors.
- Support Our Advertisers: Discover exclusive deals and products from local and national advertisers at kby.za.net/deals, contributing to the sustainability of community journalism.
- Become an Advertiser: Promote your business and support the local economy by exploring advertising opportunities at kby.za.net/ads to connect with the engaged national audience.
Your support ensures the continued provision of accurate and timely news in our community. Stand with The Kimberley Prospector as it navigates challenges and delivers essential information during these uncertain times.