Dear Mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo
Whilst writing this letter, myself and hundreds of Middelburg residents’ taps are dry.
Chris Hani District Municipality posts the same message every summer on social media platforms informing residents of the stress on the underground water levels and that water will be cut off daily from 21:00 till 05:00 for reservoirs to recover.
We are fully aware of the semi-desert area that we reside in. Also that we solely rely on boreholes for bulk water supply and the fact that reservoir levels are low due to high demand.
My concern is the lack of planning and communication from Chris Hani DM.
Given the fact that the water crisis is an annual occurrence, should your Disaster Management Department not be to assisting the community by sending water trucks to affected areas?
Where are the public meetings to inform all residents of CHDM’s plan of action during this crisis? Loud hailing from CHDM bakkies?
As a councillor for the local municipality, I find it extremely frustrating to relay a message through to your technical managers in Cradock and Komani. There is just no communication from your municipality!
Regrettably the local unit is understaffed and has run out of material to fix leaking taps. They are trying their best with the little resources they have.
A written reply from the MEC for Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs on October 12, 2018 states that Chris Hani DM is in the planning process of appointing a consulting firm to assist with planning of bulk water services in the area.
Chris Hani DM’s IDP (Integrated Development Plan) capital projects for Middelburg total R7 million for the financial year 2017/18 and R3 million for financial year 2018/9.
In line with the above, we are requesting an urgent meeting in the Town Hall with management/MMC of Chris Hani DM to give feedback on the following:
- Chris Hani DM’s plan of action to assist with water trucks to affected areas;
- Status of capital projects for Middelburg 2017/18 and 2018/19 water provision. Breakdown on money spent per year;
- Update on the consulting firm which will be appointed to assist with planning of bulk water provision;
- Maintenance plan on all bore holes including CHDM’s plan of action to kerb vandalism to our pipes and pumps.
It is your constitutional duty to be responsive to the needs of the local community and to facilitate a culture of public service and accountability.
Chris Hani District Municipality has, once again, failed the residents of Middelburg.
Cllr Handri Vorster – Inxuba Yethemba Municipality
