The ongoing water crisis in Residensia, Odendaalsrus, has left residents without water for more than 12 consecutive days.
“We demand an immediate and clear action plan from either Matjhabeng or Vaal Central Water detailing how full water pressure will be restored to Residensia.
“I have received no feedback from Vaal Central Water.
The only response received from Matjhabeng Local Municipality has been that water pressure is ‘low’.
No water tankers provided
“This is wholly inadequate, particularly given that no tangible effort has been made to restore sufficient water pressure to residents’ homes,” says Estelle Dansey, DA councillor.
Dansey says during the days without water, a water tanker was only twice dispatched to the area.
“This is grossly insufficient, especially under extreme heat conditions and considering residents’ basic daily needs.
“Residents have been left without answers, assistance, or any sense of urgency from the responsible authorities.
“The continued use of ‘low water pressure’ as an excuse for sustained service delivery failure will no longer be accepted.
“I will also continue to engage with residents and follow up relentlessly until this matter is resolved,” she says.
In Allanridge the severe environmental neglect is to be escalated by Cllr Jessica Nel.
“I want written explanations from the acting municipal manager and I am engaging with the director of Matjhabeng Parks and Recreation to initiate an urgent, large-scale clean-up intervention.”
What was once known as one of the most beautiful towns in the Goldfields, with well-maintained parks and flowers, is now characterised by weeds, invasive shrubs, rodents, pests, dilapidated buildings, and spaces that provide cover for criminals.
Absence of municipal workers
“The municipality must give urgent accountability for the prolonged absence of municipal workers in Allanridge,” says Nel.
“Community Work Programme Workers have not been visible or effective in and around the town. Previous excuses included workers lacked equipment such as spades, forks, and saws, while the tractors and cutting accessories were broken. These excuses no longer justify the scale of the neglect,” says Nel.
Added to this is the failing sewerage infrastructure, inaccessible roads, joblessness, and the lack of business development (as promised so many times by the Local Economic Development) that are adding to the community’s hardship.
Nel says issues like open sewerage lines in the middle of the road continue to pose a serious danger for children who can drown, as it is close to the school.
These hazards have remained unattended for months.
Nel says she will arrange meetings with businesses and stakeholders to discuss practical, sustainable solutions to clean, rehabilitate, and improve the environment in Allanridge.
• Based on South African Weather Service (SAWS) reports, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality (which includes Welkom, Odendaalsrus, Allanridge, Hennenman, Ventersburg, and Virginia) is experiencing periods of hot to very hot conditions.
Forecasts have indicated temperatures reaching, or potentially exceeding, the 30°C to 35°C range.
These high temperatures come amid ongoing service delivery challenges in the region, including reports of water shortages in certain areas.
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