This, as communities gathered in Jacobsdal expressed dissatisfaction with how their taps have run dry and how they only have access to running water in the early hours of the morning. 

The quality of water in the administrative areas of Letsemeng, Kopanong, and Mohakare Local Municipalities in the Xhariep district has also been raised as a great cause of concern. The municipality, together with the Water and Sanitation Department, held a stakeholder engagement with communities and local businesses where concerns over water supply were shared. 

The majority expressed concern with how the lack of sustainable water supply affects their daily lives, particularly during the time when the country continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The water crisis in Xhariep previously made news with residents in Koffiefontein and many others embarking on service delivery protests. Whilst the department confirmed there are several water infrastructure projects underway to address the crisis, the Municipal Manager of Letsemeng Local Municipality, Lucas Mkhwane, assured the public that they are working around the clock to ensure quality water supply. 

Mkhwane added that they are working on filling vacant key positions to ensure infrastructure development and maintenance.

OFM News