Three water tankers were dispatched on Sunday (8/2) to Ladybrand, Excelsior, and Hobhouse. Residents have complained tankers were dispatched on the first day, and because of the rain, they weren’t dispatched the following day.

The municipality sent out communication on Monday “the water ‘tankering’ in greater Ladybrand (had) been temporarily suspended for safety reasons”, due to heavy downpours.

“The revised schedule will soon be communicated to the affected residents. The rain left in its wake the roads leading to Genoa water treatment works wet and slippery. As a result, these roads are currently inaccessible.”

Water tankers may not be able to safely reach Genoa to fetch water. The municipality has therefore requested the service provider to assist it with gravel loads and the laying of gravel layers, it said.

On Thursday, 18 December, labour inspectors conducted a health and safety inspection under Section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.

The municipality was prohibited from continuing with the water treatment works because the employees were at risk of fire and electrocution, as the electrical installation at the plant was not connected, and chlorine was not properly stored.

Labour inspectors revisited the Hobhouse water treatment plant on Friday (6/2) and decided to close it, citing compromised employee safety.

“(On Monday), tankers were not dispatched because there was rain and they said they could not use the roads to bring us the water,” said Ladybrand resident Werner Klindt.

“Whenever they dispatch the tankers, it is only dispatched to some areas, and a lot of people are in remote areas and can’t reach those tankers. People in the township have not received water at all. My workers have been without water since Saturday.”

“The municipality is really dropping us on this one. It’s nothing new; they never provide as they are supposed to.” 

The DA in Mantsopa vowed to report to the Free State treasury the misuse of public funds and the decision to appoint a contractor for more than R3 million without advertising.

“The party has already written to the municipal manager, requesting she submit a detailed report on the R2.5 million paid to the company appointed to refurbish the water treatment plant,” said Cllr Tim Mpakathe.

A resident has blamed the situation on a lack of management and responsibility. “The problem with the road to the treatment works is a typical example of poor lack of maintenance, poor lack of infrastructure, and no maintenance on the roads,” said Johan Coffee.

Water can’t really be dispatched to schools, to the elderly, and the old age homes. We are grateful for the rain, and houses that have tanks have been helping residents, but that’s not the solution.”

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg