Matjhabeng – As a result of the municipality failing to meet its VaalWater payments, the waterboard cut off the water supply to Matjhabeng at midnight on 1 October.
In a statement the offended municipality bemoaned the situation saying it has noted with great concern the notice issued by Vaal Central Water to proceed with water restrictions despite the existence of a court interdict, granted by the Free State High Court, preventing Vaal Central from carrying out such punitive action.
In a statement the acting municipal mana-ger, Adv. Lauretta Williams, says she finds these actions by Vaal Central to be unfair, irresponsible, and far removed from its constitutional obligation to ensure the continued and equitable supply of water. She says the approach disregards the devastating implications it has on the lives of ordinary residents, who bear no responsibility for the ongoing dispute between the Municipality and the Water Board.
It is deeply troubling that, while Vaal Central pursues these heavy-handed measures, it has simultaneously delayed the arbitration process and engaged in actions that can only be described as bad-faith litigation.
“We remind the public that, in July 2024, the court already ruled on matters directly linked to this dispute, a ruling that Vaal Central continues to undermine by its conduct.
The Municipality assures residents that it has taken, and will continue to take, all reasonable steps to protect the rights and interests of every household and business in Matjhabeng.
“We remain steadfast in defending our community against this relentless attack and will continue to pursue all available legal remedies to safeguard the constitutional right to water,” says Williams.
She says the municipality calls on residents to remain calm and united as the municipality confronts this huge challenge on their behalf.
“The right to water is not negotiable, it is a cornerstone of human dignity, health, and safety.”
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