GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - A Joint Operations Committee (JOC) meeting was held by the Municipality recently, and ward 2 Cllr Ricardo Smith once again raised the issue of helping businesses which are suffering because of the water situation. 

According to Smith, the municipality has no plan to help the embattled guest houses and other businesses.

“In December, the mayor said that this would be discussed in the JOC meeting and I thought that we would come up with ideas on how the municipality can assist the businesses, but that didn't happen,” said a frustrated Smith. “Our businesses are also struggling to keep up and we cannot afford for any business to close down because our municipality doesn’t care,” he added.

Smith would like to see the plentiful water supply from Maggie’s Pit made available to businesses. According to the municipality, this water is not suitable for drinking, but Smith contends that it could at least be used by businesses for flushing toilets. “The water is there - all we need is transport,” he said.

Michelle Erasmus, Chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, has also been disappointed at the lack of action from the JOC, and would have liked to see progress from the previous meeting. “The water situation is desperate, and communication from the municipality has been poor,” said Erasmus. 

“We still see residents watering their gardens, whereas other areas, including where I live, had not a drop from the taps for several weeks running. Everyone gets a water account, and that would be an ideal way to communicate with residents on the importance of saving water,” she continued.

Also involved in the JOC is the Graaff-Reinet Chamber of Commerce, and chairperson Hento Davids feels that the different organisations involved are not working together. 

“Currently we are drifting further away from each other, and point- scoring still dominates,” he said. “Communities are suffering because there is no proper coordination amongst the role players.” 

He reiterated the need for education, adding that awareness to use water sparingly and community education had filtered down to the broader communities.

“Those community leaders and civic organisations participating in this initiative should feel that their participation is both effective and meaningful and that when their input has value, implemented,” concluded Davids.

Acting Media Liaison Officer, Edwardine Abader, stated that it is advised that businesses submit their complaints or queries to the municipality for investigation. “Water from Maggie's Pit can be utilised for toilets, cleaning etc, however the municipality will not be able to cart water for these purposes to residents, due to limited resources,” she added.

Regarding residential problems, she also claimed that “Since the valve was repaired, only three houses in Cradock Street had challenges with water supply which were investigated and attended to. If water interruptions are still occurring, it should be reported to the municipality.”

No response was given to the alleged lack of plan to help businesses.

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