NORTHERN CAPE – The Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) has announced the indefinite continuation of severe water restrictions in Kimberley, including a further extension of nightly water cuts and pre-scheduled daily water interruptions through Sunday, 25 February. This persists despite ample water in the Vaal River, hinting at potential infrastructural or management problems within the municipality.
Residents are at their wit’s end, with many reporting drastically reduced water pressure that renders essential appliances useless and forces them to revert to unhygienic water-saving methods.
The municipality cites heatwaves and ongoing leaks as the culprits for the crisis, but the community is thoroughly unconvinced. Residents point out that Kimberley has endured hot weather in the past without such drastic interruptions, suggesting that SPM’s excuses are merely a smokescreen for deeper mismanagement issues.
Adding insult to injury, the municipality has failed to provide clear explanations for the series of undisclosed mechanical failures and instances of “human error” that have plagued the water system. Residents are calling for transparency and detailed explanations about the changes in infrastructure at Newton Reservoir and Riverton in recent years.
One frustrated resident summed up the community’s sentiment: “We’re paying rates and taxes for a standard of living that’s is equal or worse than that of an informal settlement without municipal infrastructure. The municipality’s excuses are wearing thin – we demand real answers, and more importantly, real solutions.”
The water levels at Newton Reservoir are alarmingly low. According to the latest update, all four reservoirs are operating below desired levels, with some described as near-empty. This critical situation significantly impacts the water pressure and supply to Kimberley residents, as the reservoirs struggle to generate enough pressure to reach all areas of the city served by Newton Reservoir. The ongoing water restrictions are a direct result of these low levels, and the situation raises serious concerns about the long-term water security of Kimberley.
| Dam # | Capacity (Megalitres) | Desired Level (Feet) | Current Level (Feet) | Current Level (Megalitres)* | Percentage Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 102 | 17 | 7.30 | ~26.5 | ~26% |
| 2 | 91 | 17 | 7.11 | ~25.9 | ~28.5% |
| 3 | 45 | 16 | 7.10 | ~16.2 | ~36% |
| 4 | 23 | 16 | 8.10 | ~11.0 | ~47.8% |
Key Points From the Municipality’s Statement:
- Daytime water interruptions will continue from 12:00 to 17:00.
- Nightly interruptions are now extended from 20:00 to 05:00.
- Undisclosed leaks on main supply lines are exacerbating the shortage.
- Residents are urged to conserve water and limit use to essentials, not to water gardens.
The water crisis in Kimberley highlights a sense of decline and raises concerns about the municipality’s ability to provide basic services. With no indication of when this situation will improve, residents fear a future of perpetual water insecurity and a return to primitive living conditions. These restrictive measures stay in place despite there not being issues of water scarcity at Riverton and in the Vaal River.