KOPPIES – The seven-month-old unresolved stormwater drainage infrastructure failure in Koppies in the Free State has prompted local ward councillor Carina Serfontein to launch intensified oversight efforts to secure urgent municipal intervention.

The DA councillor for the Ngwathe Municipality has written to the municipal manager demanding immediate action on the crisis that has persisted since September 2025, leaving residents facing persistent flooding, property damage and escalating safety risks.

“This continued neglect has directly affected residents, as collapsing infrastructure has led to persistent flooding, property damage, and growing safety risks within the community,” Serfontein said.

Critical water drainage pipes in the affected area have collapsed without adequate repairs being undertaken. The situation has deteriorated significantly during the current rainy season, which has intensified water flow and placed additional pressure on the already failing infrastructure.

Several homes on the affected street are now directly impacted, with residents experiencing persistent water accumulation and increased safety hazards. What began as an infrastructure concern has escalated into a crisis affecting residents’ daily living conditions.

The prolonged delays have created a cycle of deterioration, where initial problems have compounded into more serious structural failures requiring increasingly expensive solutions. Residents have been forced to cope with flooding during each rainfall event, causing ongoing stress and potential health risks.

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“The DA finds it unacceptable that such a prolonged delay in addressing essential infrastructure has persisted, especially where it directly impacts vulnerable communities. We urge the Municipal Manager to act now,” Serfontein said.

Her demands include immediate repairs or replacement of damaged stormwater drainage pipes, a comprehensive technical assessment of affected infrastructure, and implementation of temporary measures to mitigate water flow during ongoing rainfall. She also called for a clear timeline for resolution to be communicated to residents.

“Failure to act decisively will result in further damage to infrastructure, increased financial burden on both residents and the municipality, and potential health and safety hazards,” Serfontein warned.

The crisis highlights broader challenges facing municipal infrastructure maintenance in smaller towns, where delayed interventions often result in more expensive emergency repairs and greater community impact.

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