There have been repeated warnings the towns could be heading towards a “Day Zero” without urgent intervention. The Wolwas Dam, which was constructed as a backup water source for Winburg during periods of water shortages, is currently empty, says Masilonyana DA councillor Brun Rossouw.

The dam is situated in a non-catchment area and relies on water being pumped from the river. With the river now no longer flowing, the municipality could soon be unable to replenish the dam, potentially leaving Winburg and Makeleketla without a vital backup water source.

“The river has now stopped flowing. The DA in Masilonyana will raise questions in the provincial legislature through our Cogta spokesperson. This situation is extremely concerning, particularly given the ongoing drought conditions and previous warnings regarding the potential impact of El Niño conditions. Failure to act now could result in a catastrophe of immense proportions for the community.”

Rossouw said repeated calls for assistance had failed to produce a solution, while residents had reportedly been blamed for vandalising the pump.

The municipality has reportedly indicated that no procurement process is in place to repair the pump. A proposed solution aimed at preventing further vandalism of the infrastructure was also submitted but appears to have been ignored, Rossouw added.

“The situation has now become even more serious. Wolwas Dam is empty, Rietfontein Dam is contaminated by raw sewage flowing into it, the sewer project is reportedly at a standstill, the river is no longer flowing and the community’s backup water supply is therefore severely compromised.”

Rossouw warned the combination of these failures could push Winburg and Makeleketla towards a water emergency within days if urgent action is not taken.

“We are shocked that the municipality appears to be ignoring the plight of the community, despite repeated reminders of the developing crisis on an ongoing, even weekly, basis. The community has already experienced a situation where residents were without water for more than a month. This is completely unacceptable.”

The municipality must urgently address the failure of the Wolwas Dam backup system and investigate and repair the pump infrastructure needed to fill the dam.

She also called for measures to protect critical water infrastructure from vandalism, immediate action to address the raw sewage contamination of Rietfontein Dam, and a clear emergency water-supply plan for Winburg and Makeleketla.

The DA is further demanding a transparent update from the municipality on the status of the sewerage and water projects. “Serious and immediate intervention is needed to protect the community and prevent a humanitarian water crisis.”

Angry residents blocked the N1 South near Winburg in August using rocks, burning debris, and makeshift barricades, following a community meeting with Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.

The premier was reportedly escorted out of the hall by guards and law enforcement officers as tensions escalated. The protest followed weeks of frustration over the municipality’s failure to restore a reliable water supply to large parts of Winburg, with residents reportedly going for months without dependable access to water.

The municipality’s water crisis has also unfolded alongside broader concerns about its financial and administrative stability. Masilonyana’s leadership appeared before parliament’s standing committee on public accounts in Cape Town in May, where concerns surrounding municipal administration and finances were raised.

Workers allegedly discovered the municipality had been classified at salary level three while they were being paid at level one. Workers have reportedly since embarked on a go-slow. Rossouw previously told OFM News that repeated engagements with the Free State department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs and MEC Saki Mokoena had failed to resolve the crisis.

‘About R75mn owed to third parties also remains unaccounted for’

The municipality reportedly spends about R15m a month on salaries while collecting only between R1.8m and R2m in monthly revenue. Its rates and taxes collection rate is estimated at about 20%, while its debts to creditors continue to increase.

About R75mn owed to third parties also remains unaccounted for, despite pension deductions reportedly being made from employees’ salaries. The municipality’s bank accounts have also allegedly been attached several times, disrupting cash flow and contributing to repeated delays in paying workers.

OFM News has sent questions to Masilonyana municipality and the provincial department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs for comment.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.