KIMBERLEY – In a shocking revelation, the Sol Plaatje Municipality has unveiled a web of excuses and blame-shifting as the water crisis deepens, leaving residents in the lurch and questioning the competency of municipal authorities.
The latest water update, released on Wednesday, 07 Feb 2024, at 09:10, informs residents that the Newton Reservoirs are still grappling with extremely low water levels, resulting in supply outages and low pressure in most areas supplied by the Newton Reservoir. The municipality promises a restart of supply at 12:00 but fails to address the root causes adequately.
Blaming a single leak near Roodepan (Midlands) as one of the primary culprits, the Sol Plaatje Municipality conveniently overlooks historical inconsistencies. Major leaks throughout the city, notably between 2018 and 2020, including one behind 3SAI near Roodepan, did not impede the municipality’s ability to fill the Newton Reservoir during that period. This raises questions about the municipality’s sudden emphasis on a current leak as one of the sole reasons for the permanent daily and nightly water interruptions.
Year-Long Leak in 2018/2019 on Kimberley’s Bulk Line, No Consistent Impact on Newton Reservoir Filling
Adding fuel to the fire, the municipality now shifts blame to completed work on clarifiers two weeks ago, on 26 January 2026. This attempt to deflect responsibility for a crisis triggered by their own recent activities only deepens the frustration of residents, who are demanding answers.
Algae Enters SPM Agenda
In a surprising twist, the Sol Plaatje Municipality now introduces excessive algae in the Vaal River as a contributing factor to the water crisis. This is the first time algae has been mentioned in any recent SPM water updates, raising suspicions about the municipality’s transparency and selective disclosure of critical information. Residents wonder why this information was not communicated earlier, especially considering historical leaks and algae blooms did not consistently hinder the Newton Reservoir’s filling.
As Galeshewe and Roodepan brace for interrupted water supply from 12:00 today, residents are left grappling with a barrage of excuses and a lack of concrete solutions. The Sol Plaatje Municipality must address the historical inconsistencies in their crisis response, provide transparent information about the water crisis, and implement lasting solutions to restore faith in its ability to manage essential resources.
The community deserves a comprehensive and honest account of the challenges faced, and the municipality must demonstrate a commitment to proactive crisis management rather than reactive blame-shifting. The water crisis is not just a supply issue; it’s a crisis of leadership and communication that demands immediate attention and accountability.
Residents Take Action
Meanwhile, Kimberley residents have amplified their concerns, with complaints rising to 243 and continuing. Recognizing the severity of the continued situation, The Kimberley Prospector has attached the growing number of complaints to a formal submission to the South African Human Rights Commission.
If you believe your basic right to access to water has been violated fill in the form for submission to the SAHRC.
The community is encouraged to fill out the Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form, available at https://kby.za.net/i-have-no-water-form, to voice their challenges and contribute to the collective effort for a swifter resolution.
Support Community Journalism: Advocacy for Truth, Your Voice
Simultaneously, The Kimberley Prospector has extended an appeal for support in community journalism. Through the “Prospectors” initiative, residents are urged to subscribe and contribute to shaping the news that matters most to them. This initiative emphasizes the importance of supporting local journalism and underscores that quality reporting comes at a cost.
The call goes beyond subscriptions, encouraging residents to support advertisers and even consider becoming an advertiser themselves for exposure on a national scale. It’s a reminder that a thriving community needs both reliable information and active community engagement.