On Wednesday 14 April, Sedibeng Water released a statement revealing that Matjhabeng’s unpaid bulk water account affects their time-sensitive procurement of water treating chemicals which this week affected water supply when the water board was forced to bring operations at the Balkfontein Water Treatment Plant to a halt on Monday(12 March, due to their inability to access chlorine gas in time. Matjhabeng is yet to respond to OFM News’ media queries.

The company from which Sedibeng procures the chlorine gas was unable to so in a timely manner. Water supply in Matjhabeng - Welkom, Odendaalsrus, Allanridge and Virginia, amongst others - was, as a result, halted this week. The company in question has managed to resolve the matter and are busy with backlog orders. 

In the meantime, Sedibeng sourced chlorine gas from its other plants, resulting in the Balkfontein plant returning to operation from Tuesday 13 April. The situation, however, wouldn’t have happened had Sedibeng received money from Matjhabeng in time.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the country, Kimberley residents have on Thursday, taken to the streets to demand better service delivery. This as OFM News has been reporting on water issues affecting the Northern Cape capital. Many hospitals, clinics, schools and old age homes have been forced to go without water for a very long time. Furthermore, residents remain infuriated as the municipality recently received a lump sum of R500 million from the Northern Cape premier, Zamani Saul, saying that the money won't be used as it should. Residents also go on to say that they need a concrete plan of action that must indicate project plans with stipulated time frames for each area in and around Kimberley.

OFM News