The DA in Mpumalanga expresses concern over dysfunctional water reservoirs in Lekwa and Dipaleseng municipality, and will take this up with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.
During an oversight visit in ward 7, Lekwa, we discovered a non-operational water reservoir located on the uphill’s of Serato Community.
It is alleged that the Gert Sibande District Municipality spent more than R20 million to build the water reservoir. Despite severe water shortages across various communities in Lekwa, the reservoir was never commissioned.
The DA sought clarity on the state of the reservoir and its operational capacity, but it appears that the municipality has abandoned the reservoir.
Through its Communication Department, the municipality stated that their Technical Department is retrieving files relating to this project as it is from about 10 years ago.
It is gravely concerning that the municipality is not planning on fixing this reservoir, while residents of Lekwa are confronted with water shortages.
In Dipaleseng, we visited two water reservoirs in Grootvlei. Surprisingly, one of the reservoirs was handed over to the community on the eve of the 2024 Provincial and National Elections.
During the handing over ceremony, the municipality’s senior management explained that the reservoir was built to deal with water scarcity challenges.
Notably, the municipality has got another steel reservoir situated in Grootvlei. The reservoir has been leaking for months and the municipality has done nothing about it.
The DA is disappointed that these municipalities are failing to take proactive measures in dealing with their water challenges. These ANC led municipalities are failing to take responsibility and supply water consistently.
The DA remains committed to advocating for the rights of residents and will continue to push for the improvements needed to secure reliable access to water for all.
We will write to the MEC of CoGHSTA, calling on them to investigate these reservoirs and compel these municipalities to urgently attend to their water challenges.