This after the water board restricted water to Mangaung residents to a 30% threshold leaving high-lying areas such Pellissier, Fichardt Park and Universitas hugely affected by this.

This follows a fierce battle between the metro and the water board over R449 million debt owed to the board which the metro failed to clear by 8 September 2019 after a warning of a planned water restriction should no payment be received.This forced irate residents of Pellissier to report the embattled metro to two chapter nine institutions, namely the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Public Protector (PP), for alleged human rights violations.

Meanwhile, the municipal spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, says following their interaction with the SAHRC over the matter, it was warned against human rights violations as a result of the abrupt water interruptions by Bloem Water.

Meanwhile, the SAHRC spokesperson, Thabang Kheswa, on Monday told OFM News that the commission has noted with concern ongoing disputes between the metro and Bloem Water and that they are trying to address the issue with both parties. Residents have stated that, according to the Constitution of South Africa, everyone has the right to access adequate food and water and the constant water cuts are trampling on these rights. OFM News previously reported that the DA Mangaung Councillor, Rossouw Botes, explained to OFM News that if Bloem Water reduces water supply to 30%, high-lying areas such as Pellissier, Fichardt Park and Universitas will experience the water cuts within hours as the water pressure to these areas will be insufficient.

OFM News