The Kimberley Prospector

NORTHERN CAPE – Kimberley remains in the grip of a severe water crisis, with the majority of residents enduring an extended period without water since November 21. The situation worsened for some residents who, despite a brief respite with a mere drip for an hour this morning, were once again left with dry taps.

This predicament follows the municipality’s completion of what they termed “significant strides” in repairing two major leaks, a task dubbed as an emergency by Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM). However, the community now faces additional challenges as SPM “regrettably” reports a mechanical fault in one of the two pumps essential for filling the Newton Reservoir. Consequently, certain areas are experiencing prolonged water outages, and the municipality assures residents that the faulty pump will be restored to functionality.

The notable absence of information regarding dam levels and why the standby pump is not being utilized at Newton Reservoir has raised concerns among residents, prompting unanswered questions about its exclusion from the restoration efforts. As the community grapples with uncertainty, ward councillors have yet to conduct an oversight inspection to verify the accuracy of the reported issues—leaving residents in doubt about the veracity of the information shared by SPM.

The timing of the water crisis is especially challenging, coinciding with students writing exams and a workforce accustomed to starting the day with a fresh bath or shower. While residents display resilience, the toll of living without a consistent water supply is taking its toll.

With Christmas on the horizon, residents express hope that the “Grinch” won’t steal their municipal water supply. The call for an authoritative oversight inspection, including the involvement of the South African Human Rights Commission, gains momentum as residents seek transparency and accountability.

#VoteLikeABok

In light of the ongoing challenges, the upcoming 2024 General Election serves as a crucial opportunity for residents to advocate for positive change. #VoteLikeABok and register to vote at Vote.za.net/register-to-vote

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As the community navigates these challenges, The Kimberley Prospector remains committed to providing accurate and reliable information to empower residents during this critical time.