KAROO NEWS - The areas of Bergsig (Ward 5) and Hillside (Ward 6) in the Inxuba Yethemba municipal district made their concerns about their water supply problems public by blocking the R61 road on 16 November. This road is crucial, connecting Cradock to Tarkastad.
They protested for hours, causing unrest by burning tyres and scattering stones on the road.
The situation escalated into a riot in front of the councillor's offices.
Kobus Botha, MPL DA Shadow MEC of Social Development, as well as DA constituency head for Cradock and Middelburg areas in the Eastern Cape, wrote a letter to MEC Zolile Wiliams on 16 November regarding the irregular water supply in Bergsig and Hillside areas in Cradock.
He highlighted that for more than two weeks, these areas have been experiencing water interruptions.
According to Botha, water is crucial for economic growth and people's well-being. He emphasised the interdependence of water and electricity in South Africa, where 85% of electricity is generated from coal power stations.
He referred to this connection as the Energy-Water Nexus, stating that electricity is vital for pumping, treating water, distributing it and managing wastewater.
Botha pointed out that the booster pump at the Bergsig water treatment facility in the Chris Hani District doesn't meet specifications and cannot pump enough water to high-lying areas in Cradock.
He emphasised the significance of water pumps in ensuring a reliable water supply for communities, mentioning their role in various activities such as drinking, cooking, sanitation, agriculture and disaster resilience.
He raised concerns about the impact of inadequate water supply on household tasks, stating that water has been trickling through household pipes for the last four days, making it challenging to carry out daily chores.
In his request Botha posed several questions to Williams, seeking information on the causes of the water interruptions, necessary equipment repairs or replacements and the associated costs, the timeline for restoring a sustainable water supply, and details regarding any incorrect pump installations.
The Advertiser also addressed an enquiry to Enoch Mgijima of the Department of Water and Sanitation at the Hofmeyr Municipality on the water supply crisis. The Advertiser was informed to address all inquiries to Municipal Manager Gcobani Mashiyi.
The Advertiser was also notified that Lusanda Sizani, Executive Mayor of the Chris Hani District Municipality, should be notified of all the water and sanitation inquiries in Cradock.
All written requests must be delivered to her by the councillor for the Inxhuba Yethemba community.
Botha is awaiting a response within two weeks from the date of delivery of his letter.
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