Press Statement by Canuel Mnisi: DA Councillor in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality
- DA calls for accountability on water losses in Bushbuckridge.
- Residents do not have water, yet millions of kilolitres of fresh water are wasted.
- The municipality must live up to our constitution and provide residents with water.
11 August 2026
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance in Bushbuckridge will write to the Municipal Manager, Jasper Ngobeni, calling on him to attend to widespread water leaks and illegal water connections which cost the municipality R186 million during 2024/25.
For years, Bushbuckridge residents have endured destabilising water shortages which are caused by deteriorating water infrastructure, poor reticulation systems, and high water losses.
In a water scarce municipality, it is concerning to note that the municipality classified 90% of its water supply as non-revenue water in the 2024/25 financial year.
Additionally, the municipality also reported that water losses were exceptionally high at 70%. Being plagued by high water losses, the DA finds it concerning to note that the municipality only ringfences 1% of their budget for infrastructure maintenance. Especially since this is far below National Treasury’s of 8%-10%.
Noting that the water situation in Bushbuckridge worsened when the municipality took over water provision from Rand Water, it can never be business as usual. Given the above, we have decided to ask the Municipal Manager to provide:
- A detailed report on the replacement of asbestos pipes in Thulamahashe A and B and the proposed accelerated plan that was promised.
- A comprehensive strategy, with clear timeframes for replacing asbestos pipes throughout the municipality.
- The progress that was made on the non-revenue water audit that was to be undertaken.
- Feedback on plans to increase the water infrastructure maintenance budget to at least 3% for the 2025/26 financial year.
Our communities are tired of excuses. The ANC administration has proven incapable of providing a lasting solution to these sustained water challenges.
Residents must vote for the DA in the upcoming local government elections to secure a municipality they can be confident in, and one that can deliver essential services.
For media queries:
Canuel Mnisi
DA Councillor in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality
076 331 9340