Teboho Setena
Scores of residents in the Bloemfontein areas of Heidedal, Bloemside, and Opkoms have been left without water supply for days. The Mangaung Metro Municipality has disconnected the supply to households in its desperate attempt to recoup money owned by residents in order to service its large debt to the supplier Vaal Central Water (formerly Bloemwater).
The metro’s debt is projected to be R743 million: comprising R430 million for municipal services, R142 million for rates and taxes, and R171 million to Centlec for electricity.
Affected residents have expressed utter disgust.
“The municipality has put our lives at risks. Should it happen that a fire breaks out, it is obvious the house will burn to ashes because there is no water,” said a resident who spoke anonymously.
According to granny Sarah Francis (80), who resides in Tom Swart Street, the water supply was disconnected early on 14 April.
“I discovered this on my arrival from the shop. At first, I thought it was low-flow water due to a burst pipe elsewhere, but I was shocked after finding out the water supply is completely shut, no drop in the taps since last Monday.
“I am surviving with 15 litres of water supplied by good neighbours. It is for cooking, bathing and toilet usage, but it is extremely difficult for me to cope as a pensioner,” said Francis, showing a dry tap in her kitchen.
Francis is of the more than 30 residents in the street in question who had their supply disconnected.
Residents expressed grave concerns about excessive water bills from the Mangaung Metro.
They are suggesting they may be overcharged.
“We are still using old meters, and we have for the longest time not seen any municipal workers visiting households to take readings; it is all estimation,” said one resident.
Tension reached boiling point on Thursday, 17 April, when some residents resorted to engaging the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to intervene, as several had their water supply completely disconnected.
“We have already brought this to the attention of the city manager and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s mayoral committees. We will further engage with the metro to address these violations.
“Should this not be attended with the urgency it deserves, the commission will be left with no choice but to secure redress for these violations.
“The commission is aware that the metro is trying to recover its costs from residents who are in arrears for payment of services rendered.
“The commission encourages residents to pay for services rendered,” said Thonoko Modise, acting Free State HRC manager.
The Free State government has an outstanding municipal debt regarding water reportedly standing at R989 million for the 2024-’25 financial year.
