Despite assurances from the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) that the scheduled water interruptions would commence only from noon today, numerous residents in various suburbs reliant on the Newton Reservoir were left without water or experienced significantly low water pressure as early as 08:30 this morning. This follows a trend of prolonged water supply issues, with some residents reporting enduring 10 consecutive days without water.
Residents accustomed to the usual restoration process following nightly water interruptions, lasting from 21:00 to 05:00, reported that the normal operating pressure is usually achieved within 60 minutes to 2 hours. However, those relying on the Newton Reservoir have been grappling with very low pressure, and in some cases, no water supply for the past two weeks, but also intermittently since 2018.
The “I Have No Water” form, which attaches the water supply issues to the collective citizens’ complaint to the SA Human Rights Commission, received nine additional reports between February 13 and 17 from residents in suburbs including Beaconsfield, Kestellhof, Colville, CBD, and Hillcrest. This surge in complaints contrasts with the SPM’s failure to announce any daily water interruptions until yesterday’s update on February 16. In total 253 complaints from Kimberley residents have been received on the form.
The SPM’s previous updates on February 7, February 6, and January 28 cited low reservoir levels, undisclosed mechanical faults, and human error, respectively, as causes for the ongoing water supply problems. However, residents remain sceptical of the municipality’s explanations and question the management of the Newton Reservoir.
Low Water Pressure Supply for Only 4 Hours a Day
In our previous investigative report, Kimberley Residents Face Life Without Water for Over 4 Months a Year, Despite Billions in Approved Upgrades, 44% of the Water Services Infrastructure Grant Remains Unspent, we delved into the ongoing hardships experienced by Kimberley’s residents. Astonishingly, based on the current experiences reported by households, they may cumulativel face an alarming total of 304.17 days per year without a water supply by this time next year 2025, despite the municipality’s promise of substantial infrastructure upgrades. This shocking revelation emerged from firsthand accounts shared by residents, shedding light on a profound contradiction between promised improvements and the harsh reality on the ground.
Kimdustria Resident’s 10th Day Without Water
Furthermore, a resident from Cabinet Street, Kimdustria Kimberley, today reported enduring a continuous 10-day water outage, emphasizing the severe impact of the water crisis on individual households. This distressing situation, coupled with the assertion from another resident questioning whether the current low water pressure for four hours a day is the new standard imposed by the SPM, paints a dire picture of the challenges faced by the community. The stark contrast between official assurances and the lived experiences of residents underscores the urgent need for the SPM to address and rectify the water crisis comprehensively, with transparent communication and tangible actions to restore trust and provide the necessary water services to all Kimberley residents.
New Development Blamed for Increased Water Demand
Despite blaming the increased demand from new developments in the city for the ongoing issues, residents argue that it is the SPM’s responsibility to manage and expand the Newton Reservoir before approving new projects. Speculation arises regarding water shedding efforts to maintain dam levels, while residents between the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) and the Newton Reservoir experience normal water pressure.
Changes at Newton Reservoir Remain Undisclosed
In a media inquiry sent on December 4, 2023, The Kimberley Prospector sought answers from the SPM regarding any changes at Newton Reservoir but has not received a response as of now. Concerns about the lack of transparency in addressing unannounced water interruptions persist, with councillors failing to hold the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) and the head of the department accountable. The community has expressed growing frustration as questions regarding the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley remain unanswered.
Councillors Denied Access to Newton Reservoir Due to PPE Requirements
Adding further uncertainty to the issue, it has been recently disclosed that ward councillors were denied entry for oversight at Newton Reservoir on multiple occasions. The councillors did not want to disclose the reason, but there is speculation that the denial might be attributed to their purported lack of necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This lack of transparency in the explanation for denying entry adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley, leaving residents and the community at large seeking clearer answers and increased accountability from municipal authorities.
Public outrage grows as the municipality’s management of the water crisis continues to face scrutiny, highlighting a stark difference in accountability compared to other municipalities, such as the City of Cape Town‘s swift action in response to failures in waste management.
Residents Take Action
Meanwhile, Kimberley residents continue to raise concern, with complaints rising to 253 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.