The DA in Mbombela will table a motion demanding an update on how upcoming budgets will cater for water infrastructure projects in White River.
Over the past couple of months, White River residents have been confronted with brown water coming out of their taps. As a result, residents cannot consume nor use the water for laundry.
A Blue Drop Water Report compiled by the Department of Water and Sanitation indicated that there were shortcomings at the White River based Water Treatment Plant, these include:
- Faulty Equipment and Calibration Issues: it is reported that the turbidity meter responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of water filtration
- Inadequate Maintenance and Unsafe Conditions: The terrain at the treatment plant is poorly maintained, and the storage of dry chemicals is not optimal.
- Lack of Emergency Power Protocols: Although a generator is present on site, it is not utilized during power failures, leaving the plant vulnerable to operational breakdown
- Microbiological Risks: The report’s findings indicate that the water quality is dangerously below the required standards, with microbiological compliance failing to meet SANS 241.
In order to address the above, the municipality communicated that they have requested an infrastructure budget from the National Treasury. In addition, the Municipal Manager, Wiseman Khumalo, also informed councillors that he was scheduled to meet the mayor, requesting a budget from the City of Mbombela to address this water crisis.
Given the above, the DA will table a motion in the upcoming sitting, requesting a detailed breakdown of the budget that has been set aside and how these funds will be used.
We will continue to hold the local authorities accountable and fight for the rights of the people of White River.