The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is taking over with immediate effect the function of running water and sanitation from Madibeng District Municipality following recent community protests over water and electricity problems in Letlhabile Township, Brits.
Addressing hundreds of Letlhabile residents at the local stadium yesterday, the MEC for Local Government and Human Settlement, Collins Maine, said he had decided to remove the powers and functions of water and sanitation from the District Municipality to the department, working together with the North West province, after listening carefully to the grievances of residents in Letlhabile and other areas under the jurisdiction of the municipality.
Maine further announced the refurbishment of malfunctioning boreholes and the resuscitation of Hartbeespoort Dam which is covered with algae, which is a seasonal occurrence. More water treatment plants will also be built to improve water supply in affected areas. Magalies Water has been appointed as an implementing agent to ensure the reticulation of water on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Maine also announced the termination of a contract with an electricity supply company that had been hired by Madibeng municipality to manage its electricity affairs. The company was accused of incompetence and was blamed for issuing high electricity bills in Letlhabile
The residents poured out their hearts to the MEC and complained about receiving high water bills even though they do not have meters in their yards. A resident said last month he was billed for R175 000 for water despite not having a water meter installed in his yard. A woman resident gave the MEC a water bill and photos as proof of not having any water meter in her yard.
Residents welcomed Maine’s decision and said that this was the beginning of an end for the water and sanitation woes. The MEC appealed to residents to allow a technical team from the Department of Water and Sanitation and Magalies Water into Letlhabile today to start its work of attending to the malfunctioning of boreholes as well as those without energy.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau, Director Media Liaison, DWS
Cell: 082 874 2942
