NORTHERN CAPE – In response to the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley, the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) has announced a comprehensive Water Recovery Programme set to commence on Saturday, 02 December, lasting until Friday, 08 December 2023. The city has faced daily and nightly water interruptions, severely impacting areas such as Beaconsfield, Belgravia, Colville, Hadison Park, Klisserville, and South Ridge. Residents can expect disruptions from 12:00 to 16:00 & 18:00 to 06:00 on 2 December and 11:00 to 16:00 & 18:00 to 06:00 on 3 December. Subsequently, nightly interruptions from 19:00 to 05:00 will persist until 8 December.
Due to the current recovery rate, the outlined schedule might be lifted sooner, resulting in the water supply returning to “normal”.
Water Crisis Takes Toll on Community
This situation has placed a tremendous burden on the community, especially considering the nightly interruptions. Residents face the daunting challenge of going to work without access to essential facilities, such as a proper shower or bath. The impact is felt not only on their personal hygiene but also on their overall well-being.
Additionally, the plight extends to the city’s nightshift workers who find themselves severely affected by the disrupted water supply. The struggle to maintain basic cleanliness and sanitation during these challenging times adds an extra layer of hardship to the lives of Kimberley’s residents, underscoring the urgency for a swift resolution to the water crisis.
Improvements in Roodepan but Challenges at Newton Reservoir
The SPM acknowledged significant progress in repairing major leaks near Roodepan, but challenges persist in reaching full storage capacity at the Newton Reservoirs. The new schedule aims to expedite the recovery process, with the possibility of an earlier restoration to normal water supply.
Residents are urged to conserve water by refraining from watering gardens and using water for critical needs only. The municipality emphasizes the importance of water conservation to facilitate reservoir refilling. The community is encouraged to report water interruptions outside the stipulated schedule to the SPM Call Centre.
The Newton Reservoirs’ current water levels, as of 01 December 2023, show improvement, though challenges remain in supplying high-lying areas with sufficient pressure. The Municipality’s Municipal Manager, S.B. Matlala, expressed gratitude for residents’ patience and understanding during this challenging period.
Dam Levels
- Dam 1:
- Capacity: 102 Megalitres
- Desired Levels: 17 feet
- Current Levels: 6.6 feet
- Dam 2:
- Capacity: 91 Megalitres
- Desired Levels: 17 feet
- Current Levels: 11.0 feet
- Dam 3:
- Capacity: 45 Megalitres
- Desired Levels: 16 feet
- Current Levels: 15.5 feet
- Dam 4:
- Capacity: 23 Megalitres
- Desired Levels: 16 feet
- Current Levels: 15.8 feet
Residents Continue Taking Action
Amid escalating concerns, The Kimberley Prospector has taken proactive steps by submitting the growing number of complaints, now reaching 145, to the South African Human Rights Commission. To further amplify the collective voice of the community, residents are strongly urged to share their challenges through the Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form.
Kimberley residents, your voice matters! From 79 to 145 and climbing, complaints are flooding in from residents across Kimberley who find themselves without a municipal water supply. This feedback form is now an integral part of our formal complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission. ????????
???? If your municipal water in Kimberley has not been restored as per the published schedule, fill in the form.
???? If you believe the water interruptions constitute a violation of your basic right to water, fill in the form.
???? Kimberley residents facing water scarcity, let your concerns be heard! Share your water challenges by completing the Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form and join us in working towards a swifter resolution.
???? https://kby.za.net/i-have-no-water-form