The water crisis in Kimberley continues to cast a shadow over the community, with residents still grappling with intermittent shortages as of February 6. In a follow-up to our email mentioned in our previous report, “Water Tribunal Urged to Intervene as Kimberley Residents Face Severe Water Crisis,” the latest communication from the Water Tribunal provides hope for ongoing efforts to address the persistent challenges faced by residents.
Water Tribunal’s Seeking Response from Authorities
In response to the urgent plea for intervention, The Kimberley Prospector received a communication from Xuba Luyanda Angel, Legal Admin Officer and Registrar of the Water Tribunal in Pretoria. The email states, “Please be advised that we have escalated your concerns to the relevant authorities for consideration. However, we will get back to you immediately upon receipt of their response. Thank you.”
Background: Kimberley’s Continous Water Struggle
As outlined in our earlier article, Kimberley has been mired in a severe water crisis, marked by daily interruptions and permanent nightly water cuts affecting various neighbourhoods, especially those reliant on the Newton Reservoir. The situation prompted a collective complaint to the Water Tribunal, urging swift intervention to address the deficiencies in water services provided by the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM).
Residents Take Action
Meanwhile, Kimberley residents have amplified their concerns, with complaints rising to 243 and continuing. Recognizing the severity of the continued situation, The Kimberley Prospector has attached the growing number of complaints to a formal submission to the South African Human Rights Commission.
If you believe your basic right to access to water has been violated fill in the form for submission to the SAHRC.
The community is encouraged to fill out the Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form, available at https://kby.za.net/i-have-no-water-form, to voice their challenges and contribute to the collective effort for a swifter resolution.
Support Community Journalism: Advocacy for Truth, Your Voice
Simultaneously, The Kimberley Prospector has extended an appeal for support in community journalism. Through the “Prospectors” initiative, residents are urged to subscribe and contribute to shaping the news that matters most to them. This initiative emphasizes the importance of supporting local journalism and underscores that quality reporting comes at a cost.
The call goes beyond subscriptions, encouraging residents to support advertisers and even consider becoming an advertiser themselves for exposure on a national scale. It’s a reminder that a thriving community needs both reliable information and active community engagement.