According to the municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, the Waterworks Department immediately addressed the water inadequacies in the city after critically low levels at the Newton Reservoir led to the suspension of water supply. 

He goes on to say that the water challenges residents are facing are due to hindrances in the process of the purification of raw water flowing from the Vaal River.

Many residents have complained during the ravaging pandemic saying that they are required to isolate, however, the limited access they have to water disabled their habitability. OFM News previously reported several complaints that residents of Kimberley laid in which they voice their unhappiness about the water issues.

Matsie adds that Ritchie, a small town south of Kimberley, is experiencing similar issues regarding low productivity.

“Once the situation has improved, we will immediately commence water supply without delay,” says Matsie.

He says that the process of nightly shutdowns will resume with immediate effect to increase the capacity of the reservoirs.

Furthermore, OFM News reports that the Sol Plaatje municipality took talks to Facebook late Monday afternoon with the mayor, Patrick Mabilo - also known as the ghost - saying that they have developed a master plan for electricity, sewerage and water supply respectively. 

Mabilo says the master plan highlights that they are required to fix the pipelines as they are deteriorating by the second, which may take time.  

“The fact that I have not taken a shower for the whole day is not fair. Please get your act together,” says an anonymous resident.

Many residents have urged the municipality to make use of the communication channels ensuring that residents are continually updated about the restriction of resources affecting residents’ daily lives.  

OFM News/Lee Simmons