Residents of Kimberley are facing a deepening water crisis. For almost two weeks, since contractors took over for emergency leak repairs, many areas receiving water from the Newton Reservoir have experienced severely low water pressure, and daily and nightly interruptions, with some residents now allegedly getting less than 3 hours of water per day. This follows a frustrating two-month pattern of intermittent or completely absent water supply, despite promises of repairs following a significant shutdown last year.
While authorities continue to cite various issues such as leaks, undisclosed mechanical faults, and ghostly human error as causes, residents are growing increasingly sceptical. They point to past instances where the city successfully managed multiple leaks without such prolonged disruptions. Frustration is mounting as residents feel the Midlands excuse is being perpetuated to mask other issues.
“It seems like every time there’s a problem, they blame the same leaks. How is that possible if they were fixed?” one resident remarked.
Speculation is rife about what might be causing the ongoing crisis. Some residents suspect changes made at the Newton Reservoir Complex, which supplies the affected suburbs. Others believe there might be a hidden constriction somewhere along the line between the reservoir and their homes.
The impact on daily life is severe. With water pressure too low for basic household tasks, residents describe a desperate struggle:
“We can’t even shower or flush toilets properly. It’s affecting our hygiene and our health,” a concerned mother shared.
“Trying to prepare meals or do laundry is a nightmare. It takes hours for anything to fill up,” another resident laments.
The community’s patience is wearing thin, and many feel their concerns are being ignored. Residents are questioning the allocation of resources and demanding greater transparency from the authorities.
“We need clear answers and a plan of action. This can’t continue,” a business owner expressed, highlighting the economic strain caused by the crisis.z