Considering frustration expressed by residents and businesses in Caledon regarding the recent water crisis, an oversight visit from a delegation from Theewaterskloof Municipality, The South African Human Rights Commission and Overberg Water Board took place on Thursday at the Maraisdal Water Plant near Helderstroom.
HR commissioner Chris Nissen, Chief Executive of Overberg Water Board Dr Phakamani Buthelezi and Theewaterskloof’s Municipal Manager Wilfred Solomons-Johannes were all present, along with other officials and technical staff from the municipality and Overberg Water Board.
The conversations were open and honest, and treated with the necessary urgency. All parties agreed there were key issues that needed to be addressed, with a view to resolving the current water issue as swiftly as possible.
“It was further agreed that technical staff from both authorities would work together to solve the problem and communication between the municipality and the Overberg Water Board would also be streamlined for future effectiveness,” said Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Acting Municipal Manager, Theewaterskloof Municipality. “A more streamlined approach will be used to communicate, so if another crisis arises in future we’ll be able to update residents and businesses more regularly by speaking directly to the relevant representatives of Overberg Water Board on the ground.
It was also decided general communication between the two authorities would also take place more regularly and that technical staff from Theewaterskloof will also be made available and deployed, if requested, to provide further expertise and assistance.
Solomons-Johannes said the pump had been repaired, but it was brought to attention that an additional pipe burst had restricted the flow of water supply from Overberg Water to Theewaterskloof’s reservoirs.
Technicians from Overberg Water Board as well as Theewaterskloof will work together to resolve the issue with urgency.
“We are grateful to the CEO of Overberg Water and the SA Human Rights Commissioner for their input and the opportunity for robust conversations to take place in a welcoming atmosphere,” Solomons-Johannes said. “We believe today’s engagement will not only lead to the Caledon water situation being resolved swiftly, but also strengthen and improve good working relationships between all parties.”
