The Kimberley Prospector

NORTHERN CAPE – In a desperate plea for assistance, a collective complaint from concerned citizens of Kimberley has been submitted against the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) to the Water Tribunal, highlighting the persistent and severe water service failures plaguing the region.

Michael Hawthorne, an independent investigative reporter, delivered the urgent request for intervention on behalf of the affected residents in a letter addressed to Water Tribunal Registrar Luyanda Angel Xuba.

The ongoing water crisis in Kimberley has escalated to a critical level, with daily interruptions and permanent nightly water cuts affecting residents, particularly those relying on the Newton Reservoir. Despite SPM’s assurances of water restoration, numerous residents claim they have not received water since Friday, January 26. As of today, January 29, a significant portion of the population remains without water supply, casting doubt on the municipality’s claims of service restoration.

The issues in Kimberley date back to before 2018, and residents are no longer willing to tolerate paying municipal rates and taxes while facing a dire lack of essential water services. The challenges at the Newton Reservoir have expanded to impact previously unaffected areas like Roodepan and Galeshewe, raising concerns about the municipality’s ability to manage water resources effectively.

The letter seeks the Water Tribunal’s approval to file a collective citizens’ complaint against SPM for its failure to comply with the National Water Act 36 of 1998‘s minimum water provisioning of 25 litres per person per day within 200 meters of a dwelling. The continuous disruptions and insufficient water supply to affected areas demand immediate attention and intervention.

Despite numerous complaints by various parties lodged with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the situation persists and worsens. The letter implores the Water Tribunal to intervene swiftly to prevent the inevitable collapse of water services in Kimberley. The residents believe that the intervention can rectify systemic issues and restore essential water services.

To underscore the urgency of the matter, Hawthorne mentions that 234 responses from residents detailing the impact have been received, with 46 complaints in the last two days alone. This list of responses has been attached to the complaint with the SAHRC and is included with the letter to the Water Tribunal.

The Kimberley Prospector will continue to monitor and report on developments as the community awaits the Water Tribunal’s response and potential intervention.