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As Barkly-West’s water dries up once again, desperate residents are scooping water directly from the river, posing a significant threat to the community’s safety. This has prompted the DA to lay a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

Two people, including a young boy and a middle-aged man, recently drowned in the Vaal River, which remains in flood, during a period of water shortages.

An oversight inspection of the river today by DA councillor, Daisy Hendricks, confirmed that residents continue to make use of the river for washing and to fill their containers. They say they have no other choice, as they cannot afford to buy bottled water and they are also not receiving adequate water supply from the municipality. See pics here and here.

Water cuts are a frequent and recurring problem in Dikgatlong.

This time, Barkly-West has been without a drop of water for four days and counting. The hospital and clinic are struggling, and businesses and schools, where teachers are still marking examination papers, are complaining.

While the municipal truck supplies water at allocated drop-off points, this is very limited and once the tanker is empty, it doesn’t refill again for the day, leaving many areas without any water.

In October, the DA warned about growing water challenges in Dikgatlong and that the area would very likely face a dry summer. Promises were subsequently made by the Municipal Manager to the MEC of COGHSTA, that a generator, to mitigate the effects of loadshedding on the water supply, would be delivered two weeks ago. This never materialised.

While loadshedding aggravates the water problem, the crux of the problem lies with the new pipeline, which has posed a challenge for years. As pipes are repaired or replaced, other pipes burst. It is clear that the contractor responsible for the pipeline needs assistance, but this is not being addressed.

I have been updating the MEC of COGHSTA with regards to the situation, but no further intervention has been forthcoming. I have therefore today submitted a complaint to the SAHRC because not only are the rights of residents to sustainable provision of water being violated, but so is their right to life.

Issued by Delmaine Christians MP - Constituency Head of Diamond South