Community suffers water challenges

Kathu, Kuruman, Deben, Hotazel, Black Rock, Postmasburg, Olifantshoek and surrounding villages.

Editor

KURUMAN

Victor Mulangisi

Residents of Promised Land confronted the authorities of the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality on April 14, 2026, over delays in water supply.

The community faces ongoing shortages because the current infrastructure cannot meet the demand. A group of residents went directly to the offices of the municipality without an appointment or memo and councillor Mthuthuzeli Valela addressed the group.

The municipality transferred responsibility to COGHSTA, the project funder. The residents then proceeded to the COGHSTA offices. COGHSTA officials scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, 22 April 2026, to clarify the standoff.

Councillor Mthuthuzeli Valela of the ward stated that erratic funding caused the delay. This forced the contractor, Masiqame, to stop work due to non-payment. The community blamed the municipality for making promises without disclosing that the project was not properly funded. Residents viewed the promises as a ceremonial gesture for political purposes. The community threatened a serious protest if the meeting yielded no resolution.

The municipality had promised to provide water by March 31, 2026. Authorities installed only a small pipe. This pipe fails to adequately supply the Promised Land and the project remains incomplete.

The delay created a serious water supply problem for the community. It prompted direct confrontation with local and provincial authorities. The community expressed strong dissatisfaction. Failure to resolve the issue could lead to protests that disrupt local services and create security risks.

An anonymous COGHSTA official said that the municipality usurped the channels of communication by addressing the affected community with false hopes before consulting their office. He said that pipes are still being installed, and there are ongoing challenges with the pipeline due to the rocky terrain and other logistical issues. A meeting with the community involving all parties will detail all the concerns and confirm that the project is a priority to enable water supply to residents.