In a media release dated 27 October 2020, Democratic Alliance (DA) member of parliament Willie Aucamp, called on COGHSTA MEC, Bentley Vass, to facilitate an urgent meeting with Gamagara local municipality, the Sedibeng Water Board and the mining houses to address the growing water crisis that predominantly stems from water demand exceeding supply.

This comes as water disruptions have sparked fears of yet another waterless summer for Kathu residents. The provision of water to residents has worsened year after year, increasingly leaving desperate residents without water for regular periods that exceed several days and even weeks at a time.

Following discussions with Mr Aucamp, Gamagara DA councillor Hennie Fourie and Sedibeng Water over the past couple of days, it has become clear that the water board simply does not have enough water to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted water provision to households and mines. At the same time, the provision of water is skewed towards the mines, leaving households with insufficient water. The municipality’s own mismanagement of the water infrastructure, and its inability to address a growing number of water leaks, further aggravates the situation. The situation is a growing crisis, yet the ANC-run Gamagara municipality lacks the political will to try and find solutions to this problem.

The DA will write to MEC Vass, asking that he schedules and mediates at the meeting, as soon as possible.

As far as the DA is concerned, Mr Vass must develop better cooperation between the municipality, the water board and the mines. This is not a pleasantry, but rather a necessity, as the way forward will require a bit of give and take from each of the stakeholders, if they are really serious about ensuring that no one’s basic right to water is violated. A review of the water division will also have to be conducted, to ensure that all households have access to water, whilst simultaneously preventing damage to the mining economy.

The DA also hopes to see the three stakeholders joining hands in attempt to repair and upgrade ailing water infrastructure, to ensure that less water is wasted and there is more water available for the people of Gamagara, so that they can live in dignity and also run successful businesses that do not get affected by regular water cuts.

The DA’s proposal offers a win-win solution to all stakeholders and will be the true test of their commitment towards improving the lives of all the people of Gamagara.