DA press statement by: Canuel Mnisi- DA Councillor Bushbuckridge Local Municipality
- A water tanker installed by the municipality is not functional
- Residents are still without consistent water supply despite millions being on this project
- We urge the Municipal Manager to investigate this matter and take action.
23 July 2026
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Bushbuckridge calls on the Municipal Manager, Jasper Ngobeni, to initiate yet another investigation into dysfunctional water tanks in the municipality.
While performing oversight on the 2024/25 Annual Report, the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) raised serious concerns about a water reticulation project which was to benefit the communities of Kurhula and Tiyakeni in Acornhoek.
In this regard it was noted that although the municipality undertook to erect a 240kl steel tank and to connect 580 yard metres, the committee noted that:
Residents reported receiving water only on Tuesdays.
And the community of Kurhula and Tiyakeni stated that they do not receive water at all because the tank does not fill enough in order to supply the village.
The DA finds it extremely concerning to note that although the municipality allegedly spent R20 million to reticulate water to these communities, water challenges remain prone.
This is partly because the municipality fills this tank for only three hours, while online searches revealed that it should take an average of about 4.8 days.
It must be noted that the municipality’s inability to manage critical projects has inconvenienced residents of Bushbuckridge. The municipality’s ageing infrastructure, water leaks and growing population has also made the situation even worse.
Despite this, the municipality is mandated with dealing with all these challenges.Therefore, noting the severity of this matter we expect the municipality to engage with its stakeholders and demonstrate the commitment and leadership required to restore confidence in the delivery of essential services.
The water crisis in Bushbuckridge is worrisome, residents are deprived of basic services due to poor governance.The truth of the matter is that the municipality is failing in its responsibility of provisioning water and sanitation to communities in a sustainable manner.
The DA reiterates that the municipality needs to ensure that there is long-term viability of the water management system. The ANC administration to take accountability and make sure that services are consistently provided to the residents.
For media enquiries:
Canuel Mnisi
DA Councillor Bushbuckridge Local Municipality
076 331 9340