The Kimberley Prospector

Residents in Kimberley are facing an acute water crisis as the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) grapples with challenges at the Newton Reservoir and Riverton. Despite promises of swift resolution, the situation persists, leaving citizens frustrated and questioning the effectiveness of municipal management.

The water crisis escalated over the weekend with daily water interruptions while continuous nightly water interruptions have now become a permanent service delivery feature, significantly impacting residents relying on the Newton Reservoir for their water supply. Attempts to redirect water from Roodepan and Galeshewe on Saturday and Sunday, alongside extended nightly interruptions, have fallen short of alleviating the problem. Some residents reported being without water for three consecutive days since the start of the weekend, and even after the announced restoration of supply today shortages continue.

Newton Reservoir in a Constant State of Disaster?

Are recent and expanded developments, including any changes at Newton Reservoir to accommodate Sol Plaatje University (SPU), contributing to the ongoing challenges at Newton Reservoir? The completion and construction of SPU and its buildings, including the renovated sports fields, within New Park have raised unanswered questions about potential modifications at Newton Reservoir.

Residents are uncertain about the nature of any changes made and whether the water supply to the university may have been prioritized over that of the city’s residents. As critical questions surrounding Newton Reservoir persist, it remains unclear if the current challenges are linked to new developments increasing demand on limited water resources or whether other factors are to blame.

Speculation and rumours circulate, with community members questioning the functionality of “overheating” pumps at Newton Reservoir and Riverton and they are demanding transparency.

Kimberley’s Greatest Source of Pride Lost

The city’s water quality, once a source of pride for Kimberley residents, is now a cause for deep concern. A resident, who once took pleasure in drinking tap water and proudly praised its quality to people as far as Johannesburg and Cape Town, now expresses worry about its deteriorating state. The current intermittent condition of the water supply has eroded trust to the point that the resident is hesitant to use it even for animals. This shift reflects a tangible decline in both taste and quality, leaving residents in a paradoxical situation of relying on water that has become a source of practical and emotional concern.

Intermittent Water Supply Threatens Closure of Kimberley Businesses

The water crisis has also taken a toll on local businesses. Small enterprises, including hairdressers, dog parlours, and food providers, struggle to maintain operations with unpredictable water interruptions. Some businesses have even closed, impacting the livelihoods of employees.

In a recent radio interview, Sharon Steyn, CEO of the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), expressed concern over negligence and a lack of communication from the municipality. She highlighted the impact on businesses and questioned the effectiveness of the municipality’s efforts to address the crisis.

According to Steyn, the water situation in Kimberley is primarily due to what she describes as “plain, straight negligence” on the part of the authorities. She expressed frustration with the lack of clear communication with residents and businesses, citing “copy and paste” communications that often lack substance. Despite recent heavy rains, water cuts persist, raising questions about the management of water resources.

Steyn highlighted issues such as persistent leaks, which have been reported for over six months, and emphasized the importance of addressing them. However, she questioned the efficacy of the current approach, where leaks are fixed, but water shortages continue to occur. Steyn suggested that the problem may lie in the execution of the work rather than the competence of the engineers involved.

The impact of water constraints on local businesses was also discussed during the interview. Small businesses, in particular, are adversely affected, with disruptions to schedules, appointments, and potential closures. Steyn cited examples of businesses considering closure due to the ongoing challenges, emphasizing the difficulty in managing operations when water interruptions are unpredictable.

Steyn called attention to the impact on businesses’ daily operations, including the need for alternative water sources like JoJo tanks and the time-consuming task of replenishing them. She highlighted the ripple effect on staff and the potential closure of businesses as a result.

The workshop aimed at addressing the water issues provided little comfort for residents, and since then, NOCCI has not presented any new information except for reposting the SPM media statement announcing R2 Billion for Water Infrastructure Upgrades.

Constitutional and Legal Mandates for Basic Water Services

The legal responsibilities regarding water services are outlined to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and well-being. According to the Water Services Act 108 of 1997, the minimum service level for basic water supply is defined as 25 litres per person per day within 200 meters of a dwelling. Municipalities are obligated to strive for this minimum, even if continuous 24/7 supply is not always feasible. Additionally, municipalities must take reasonable measures within their available resources to maintain a reliable water supply. These measures encompass infrastructure upkeep, efficient water management, and exploration of alternative sources during droughts or interruptions.

In the event of water interruptions, municipalities are required to promptly notify residents, identify the cause, and take swift action to restore supply. While temporary interruptions may occur in emergencies, such as natural disasters or unforeseen technical failures, municipalities must communicate transparently and prioritize returning to normalcy. Residents have legal recourse if a municipality consistently fails to fulfil its obligations under the Act. They can lodge complaints with the Water Tribunal or pursue legal action through the courts, ensuring accountability and adherence to the stipulated water service standards.

Timeline of Today’s Updates

1. 08:30 Update – Morning Announcement:
   • SPM announced the continuation of the water interruption, stating that water supply from the Newton Reservoir would be restored at 12:00. Simultaneously, Galeshewe and Roodepan, supplied through off-takes, will experience interruptions.
2. 12:00 Update – Delayed Restoration:
   • Contrary to the earlier announcement, by 12:00, many areas receiving water supply from Newton Reservoir were still without water, leading to frustration and confusion among residents. “Pressure is building up and supply will be restored to all areas soonest.”
3. 15:30 Update – Human Error Acknowledgment:
   • SPM issued an update at 15:30, attributing the delay in restoration of the water supply to “human error.” Despite this acknowledgement, most areas receiving water from Newton Reservoir continued to experience water shortages.
4. 18:00 Newton Reservoir Level Remain Critical:
   • Ward 21 Councillor: “Felicia @ call centre: Levels are very low at the reservoir so the pumps won’t be able to to pump water.”
5. 18:15 Ongoing Water Shortages:
   • As of 18:13, many areas receiving water from Newton Reservoir still reported dry taps, indicating that the water supply had not been fully restored despite the multiple updates and assurances from the municipality.
6. 18:30 Pumps Running at Newton Reservoir
   • Two pumps are confirmed to be running at Newton Reservoir. Unknown when they were started or will run. However many residents continued to experience water shortages.
7. 20:00 Ongoing Water Shortages
   • At 20:00 the water supply still has not been restored for many residents, including Beaconsfield, Ward 25.
8. 21:30 Drip in Beaconsfield
   • Water supply has begun trickling through for some residents in Beaconsfield, Ward 25. However, the supply was interrupted at 21:00 for the commencement of the nightly interruption.

Throughout the day, residents have been eagerly awaiting the promised restoration of the water supply, facing disappointment and inconvenience as the SPM struggled to fulfil its commitments. The situation has generated frustration and dissatisfaction within the community, prompting discussions about potential collective actions to address the prolonged water crisis. Residents remain concerned about the transparency and effectiveness of the SPM’s communication and actions in resolving the ongoing challenges with the water supply in Kimberley.

The frustration has led residents to consider mass protests, demanding accountability and swift action to resolve the water crisis. As the SPM announces updates, including today’s claim of “human error” causing prolonged outages, residents remain sceptical. The community demands transparent communication, effective solutions, and accountability for those responsible for the ongoing water crisis.

Water Warning

Galeshewe and Roodepan residents should take heed of the recent interruptions, as they are now grappling with issues originating from Newton Reservoir, even though their water supply is directly linked to Riverton. The fundamental principle that a human rights violation against one is a violation against all underscores the importance of equitable and basic access to water.

Blame Game

At present, the municipality is attributing the challenges at Newton Reservoir to various factors, ranging from maintenance at Riverton, leaks, the climate and now also human error. There is even an attempt to shift blame to historical contexts, blaming the past for not addressing the needs of future developments. In 2024, residents reliant on Newton Reservoir are experiencing problems due to the “ageing” infrastructure.

Fail to Fix Fail to Satisfy

In the face of a four-year battle with water shortages, Kimberley residents are left wondering what changed in the last five years to strain the Newton Reservoir and why the municipality failed to anticipate and address the increased demand before approving new developments. The city, once a role model for consistent high-quality water supply, now faces a dire situation that calls for urgent intervention and long-term planning.

The municipality’s failure to provide clear and direct answers intensifies residents’ frustration. SPM’s updates have failed to satisfy the public.

This article was written by Jurno.