DA members slam water crisis, demand urgent action

Residents of Enoch Mgijima took a stand on Monday, protesting at the Komani robots to demand access to clean and consistent water on Monday.

The protest, which was not driven by politics, highlighted the dire water crisis affecting communities across the area.

According to DA councillor Garth Titus, Constituency Chairperson, the situation is a public health crisis, with aging infrastructure, failing water treatment works, and contaminated water sources posing significant health risks to residents.

“The hardest-hit areas include Komani, Tarkastad Ward 33, Hofmeyr ward 34, and rural farming communities, where residents experience frequent water outages and low pressure,” he said.

Titus said the impact is severe, with families forced to use unsafe water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

“The lack of water also disrupts education, economic activity, and access to healthcare”.

“We are demanding clean, consistent water, accountability, and service delivery that works,” said Titus.

The DA has called for urgent action, citing failing infrastructure, inadequate water treatment, and sewage spills contaminating water sources.

The party’s concerns include: aging and poorly maintained pipes leading to leaks and contamination, inadequate or failing water treatment works, lack of proper filtration and purification processes, sewage spills contaminating water sources and over-reliance on water tankers instead of fixing long-term infrastructure

Titus said the consequences are far-reaching, with learners sent home from school, businesses struggling to operate, and clinics facing challenges in providing healthcare services.

“Water is a basic human right – its absence strips communities of dignity and opportunity,” said Titus.

Ihe said if the situation doesn’t improve, the DA will escalate action through oversight and accountability measures, and engage higher spheres of government.

“The party is committed to holding authorities accountable for delivering basic services to communities,” he said.