In a social media post by the Matjhabeng Mayor, residents are informed that Bloem Water will be implementing water-shedding in Welkom starting from 18:00 to 05:00 daily.

The municipality faces major water challenges due to old infrastructure. Earlier this year, images of Doornpan residents collecting water from what seemed like a small river or a dam, circulated on social media.

Residents have allegedly been without water for two weeks.

Spokesperson Tshediso Tlali says they have taken major steps towards the upgrading of old infrastructure.

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DA MPL George Michalakis tabled a motion in Parliament requesting the Departments of Water and Sanitation and Cooperative Governance, along with the Matjhabeng Municipality, to present a clear plan and timeline for the upgrade of the infrastructure.

Michalakis stated 60% of water meant for household usage is lost every day due to failing infrastructure.

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Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha says they received R520 million from the national government to fix infrastructure.

“To fix the treatment plant is not going to [take] twelve months, it can take us three years. The pump station [can be done within] a period of twelve months. And we are happy that the intervention is now going to be implemented. We are no longer talking about what is going to happen [in future], it is going to happen [now]. We want to thank Minister Senzo Mchunu and Bloem Water, they have been appointed as the implementing agency on behalf of the Minister of Water and Sanitation,” said Khalipha.

ALSO READ: Municipality doubles efforts to eradicate sewage spillage challenges

OFM News has sent an enquiry to Bloem Water and is awaiting a response on the situation in Welkom.

OFM News