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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nketoana Local Municipality is deeply concerned about the continued theft of panels from the pump station that extracts water from the False River (Ntha) into the storage dams. With over three months passing since the pump station has been operational, residents of Lindley could soon find themselves without running water.

Although a contractor was recently appointed to replace the stolen panels, it has been reported that municipal employees from the Electricity department were used to do the job during working hours, with materials belonging to the municipality. The panel that the contractor was going to install at the station is exactly the same as the spare panel stolen from the municipal offices in Lindley town by municipal officials. Allegedly, a senior official from the water department in Lindley falsely reported that the pump was fixed, which would enable the service provider to submit invoices and claim full payment for work not actually done.

If enough water is not extracted and storage dams are not filled, there will be no water for residents, especially with the winter season fast approaching and it unlikely to rain. The residents of Lindley have already been subjected to water rationing for the past 9 years, where water is only available for 4 hours in the afternoon.

The DA offers its support to the community in reporting criminality and malfeasance and will continue to contribute in whichever way possible to get things done in Lindley. The party is committed to ensuring that this matter is properly investigated and that all those involved, including officials who provide false information, are held accountable.

The failure to secure and replace the stolen panels at the pump station puts the lives of Lindley residents at risk. Urgent action must be taken to address this situation before it is too late. The DA calls on the Nketoana Municipality to take swift action to ensure that the pump station is repaired and fully operational to prevent a potential disaster for the broader Ntha-Lindley community.

Issued by Diphapang Mofokeng - DA Councillor Nketoana Local Municipality