DA slams Enoch Mgijima as residents battle water shedding and power failures

Residents in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality are facing mounting frustration over ongoing service delivery problems, with daily water shedding and repeated electricity infrastructure failures becoming part of everyday life.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly criticised the municipality, describing it as one of the worst governed local authorities in the Eastern Cape.

In a recent social media post, the DA’s Enoch Mgijima Constituency claimed that residents are increasingly fed up with the situation as basic services continue to deteriorate.

According to the party, water shedding has become a daily reality for many households across the municipality, leaving communities struggling to access a reliable water supply. At the same time, frequent electricity infrastructure failures have led to repeated outages in several areas.

The party said these ongoing problems are placing immense strain on residents and local businesses.

“Enoch Mgijima municipality is one of the worst governed municipalities in the Eastern Cape,” the DA constituency said in the statement.

The party further claimed that residents have reached a breaking point as service delivery challenges persist.

“Daily water shedding and continuous electricity infrastructure failures is the order of the day and residents had enough,” the statement read.

The DA has also indicated that it plans to mobilise residents as part of its efforts to push for change in the municipality.

“We will mobilise and ensure that this year we change to new governance,” the party said.

Growing frustration among residents

Service delivery issues have been a recurring concern in the municipality, with residents frequently raising complaints about water shortages, aging infrastructure and unreliable electricity supply.

Water shedding, in particular, has become a major challenge for households in several areas. Residents often have to adjust their daily routines to cope with scheduled water interruptions.

Electricity infrastructure problems have also added to the frustration, with power failures affecting homes, businesses and essential services.

Local businesses say unreliable electricity can lead to financial losses, while residents often have to endure extended outages when infrastructure faults occur.

Political pressure building

The DA’s comments come amid increasing political pressure over service delivery challenges in the municipality.

Opposition parties have repeatedly called for stronger management, infrastructure upgrades and improved maintenance of municipal systems.

While the DA has vowed to mobilise residents, it remains to be seen what specific actions the party plans to take in the coming months.