Four months without water: Residents desperate as premier urged to intervene

FOR NEARLY four months, the taps in Delportshoop, a small town within the Dikgatlong Local Municipality, have either been completely dry or have supplied only a trickle of water - far from adequate for daily living.

As frustration among residents mounts, AfriForum has stepped in, calling on the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, to intervene and bring an urgent resolution to the crisis.

The water shortages stem from a damaged pipeline, which was compromised in November last year when a contractor’s truck struck it. Since then, several streets - including Kruger, Buys, Rivier, Bredenkamp, Selzer, Pretorius, and Saamloop streets - as well as Alpha Road, have either been completely without water or have experienced an inconsistent and inadequate supply.

Broken Promises and Delays

Despite repeated assurances from the municipality’s head of technical services that the situation would be resolved, no significant progress has been made. The pipeline was initially expected to be repaired by January 20, but the deadline came and went without any change. A municipal notice later stated that repair work would commence on February 11, yet affected residents remain without relief.

AfriForum formally raised its concerns with the municipal manager, Baakanyang Tsinyane, in January, urging the implementation of emergency measures such as the delivery of water via tankers to affected households. However, by January 30, there had been no response from the municipality.

AfriForum then sent a follow-up letter on February 5, demanding a detailed update on the municipality’s action plan and expected timeline.

With no resolution in sight and no clear communication from the local government, AfriForum escalated the matter to provincial authorities. A letter was sent on February 13 to Bentley Vass, the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), as well as to Premier Saul, calling for immediate intervention.

Residents Left in Limbo

For the residents of Delportshoop, the lack of water has become more than an inconvenience - it has severely disrupted daily life. Households are struggling to carry out basic tasks, while businesses and schools are also feeling the impact.

Lize-Mari Smit, AfriForum’s district co-ordinator for the Karoo, emphasised that access to water is a fundamental right.

“The municipality’s continued failure to provide this essential resource to the residents of Delportshoop not only disrupts their daily lives but also infringes on their constitutional rights,” Smit stated. “It is crucial that all relevant authorities immediately implement corrective measures, communicate a sustainable plan to residents, and ensure that the water supply is fully restored without further delay.”

The Premier’s Office Responds

The Office of the Premier has acknowledged receipt of AfriForum’s letter and expressed concern that the matter was taken to the media while discussions were still ongoing. In a statement, the Premier’s Office confirmed that the municipality is facing challenges, particularly in Pretorius and Kruger streets, where water pressure remains low.

“The Dikgatlong Municipality is currently replacing the old asbestos pipe in Delportshoop to eliminate the current challenge. A new pipeline, approximately 3km in length, is under construction,” the statement read.

According to the Premier’s Office, the pipeline project is expected to be completed by early March 2025. In the meantime, the municipality said it is providing water tankers to affected areas.

“As a government, we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused the community. We will, through the Department of Coghsta, monitor this situation closely,” the statement concluded.

While residents may find some relief in the local government’s assurance that a long-term solution is in progress, many remain sceptical after months of unfulfilled promises. With frustration growing, the people of Delportshoop will be watching closely to see whether action will finally follow the words of officials.