The Kimberley Prospector

In a decisive move, residents of Kimberley have reportedly collectively decided to withhold payments for municipal services this month, citing the lack of services provided by the Sol Plaatje Municipality. In a letter distributed on social media, residents expressed their deep regret. The letter was addressed to the municipality, outlining their grievances and making it clear that they will not be making payments until the services are restored.

The letter, signed by the self-described “Gatvol Residents,” emphasized the residents’ frustration with the apparent disconnect between the payments they are expected to make and the services they are supposed to receive in return.

“We, the residents of Kimberley, hereby inform you that nobody will be making payments this month. Payments due are for services delivered. No service, no payment,” stated the letter.

The residents went on to extend their apologies for any inconvenience caused by their decision but stressed that they would patiently await the restoration of services before making any payments. The use of the term “Gatvol,” which roughly translates to “fed up” or “exhausted” in Afrikaans, underscores the growing discontent among the community.

Kimberley, a city known for its diamond mining history and vibrant culture, has been facing challenges with basic municipal services such as water, electricity, and waste management since before 2018. Residents have reported frequent disruptions and a lack of timely responses from the Sol Plaatje Municipality in addressing these issues.

The decision to withhold payments serves as a collective stand against what the residents perceive as a failure on the part of the municipality to fulfil its obligations. The move is indicative of a growing trend where citizens demand accountability and quality service delivery from their local governments.

The Sol Plaatje Municipality has yet to respond to the residents’ letter, leaving the community anxiously awaiting a resolution to the ongoing service delivery issues. As the situation unfolds, residents remain steadfast in their decision, emphasizing that their commitment to making payments is contingent on the municipality’s ability to restore and maintain essential services.

This article was written by Jurno.