Langeberg Local Municipality in the Western Cape has been accused of refusing to release the water crisis report. Picture: Phando Jikelo
Langeberg Local Municipality in the Western Cape has been accused of keeping a report looking into the water crisis secret.
It is believed the report, compiled in 2022, could have prevented the water crisis from reoccurring.
Resident Cobus Bester, said he suspects the municipality’s refusal to release the report could be a cover-up for maladministration and poor management.
Bester stated that the municipality is currently facing a new water crisis, which appears to involve significant management and oversight issues.
Langeberg, known before August 28, 2009, as Breede River/Winelands Municipality, is a local municipality located within the Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape.
Langeberg is a DA-led municipality. Its towns include Robertson, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, and McGregor, along with surrounding rural areas.
DA leader in the Western Cape, Tertuis Simmers, said the party was aware of the matter, adding that the municipality did not release the report because it had appealed it.
In his complaint to the municipal manager, Danie Lubbe, Bester requested the municipality to acknowledge its deficiencies, wrongdoing, maladministration, and overall poor management of the community’s water resources which also contributed to the current lack of water, by no later than February 5, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the municipality said the water levels at Dassieshoek and Koos Kok Dams have decreased significantly, with levels recorded at 29% and 30% respectively as of January 26, 2025.
“This is in sharp contrast to the 100% levels observed at the same time last year,” said the municipality.
The municipality said the primary factors contributing to this situation include:
- Exceptionally Low Rainfall: The period from August to December 2024 showed the lowest rainfall in the last five years. This lack of sufficient rainfall directly affected the inflow to the dams, resulting in reduced water reserves.
- Increased Water Consumption: December 2024 showed a 27% increase in water consumption compared to December 2023. This increase in demand is attributed to warmer temperatures, higher irrigation needs, and increased household use of water during the holiday season.
- Maintenance and Irrigation: Annual maintenance of the Robertson (Brandvlei) irrigation canal in August 2024 during which no water could be pumped, and the supply of water to farmers according to agreements, put further pressure on our water sources.
The municipality said contrary to the allegations of poor management, it has implemented measures to manage and reduce the water crisis. This includes water conservation efforts (reduce water use), and maintenance and resource management.
“The current water situation is a result of warmer climate conditions and increased water consumption and not solely poor management. The municipality has been proactive in addressing these challenges by implementing water conservation measures, managing resources effectively, and investigating alternative water sources,” read the statement.
However, Bester argued that the statement contains no mention of the lack of maintenance and cleaning of the water catchment infrastructure in De Hoop. He added that it also did not mention pipe leaks or the untreated water that was not pumped from the canal during November, December, and even as recently as January.
“It illustrates the lack of transparency which permeates every part of the leadership of the Langeberg Municipality. Unfortunately, in this community, the Langeberg Municipality and its officials have lost their credibility in this regard due to much more credible reports and substantive evidence that contradicts this professed “comprehensive answer” statement”, said Bester, adding that this matter clearly at its very core highlighted the current municipality’s policies of secrecy and withholding information from the public.
He said this was a clear contravention of the Constitution and even the leading party’s (DA) charter.
Bester, who has been fighting for the water crisis report, in 2023 dragged Langeberg to the Information Regulator, which ruled that the municipality should grant access to a copy of the report.
“The Langeberg Municipality has still not provided me with a copy of the report I requested and as such, it clearly illustrates the irrationality of the officials who withheld such information and the attempts at covering up wrongdoing,” Bester said.
Lubbe confirmed the municipality received the complaint, saying the report was classified as confidential by the council.
He added that the municipality was aware of the Information Regulator’s report and had responded in writing.
“The municipality strongly refutes the allegations of maladministration and poor management. The current water crisis is primarily due to exceptional climatic conditions, including significantly low rainfall and increased water consumption.
“The municipality has implemented several measures to address the crisis, such as encouraging water conservation, restricting irrigation, and maintaining infrastructure to minimise water loss.
“The municipality remains dedicated to managing resources effectively and ensuring a sustainable water supply for all residents,” said Lubbe.
manyane.manyane@inl.co.za