Tensions rise in Komani as MPL challenges CHDM water disconnections

MPL Raises Concerns in Legislature Over Komani Water Cut-Offs

Enoch Mgijima Constituency Leader, Hon Chantel King MPL, raised concerns in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature on 2 December regarding recent water disconnections in Komani.

King said that two weeks ago the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) cut water supply to residents who were in arrears on municipal bills. According to her statement, more than half of defaulting residents currently do not have running water after disconnections, and many cannot afford reconnection fees which she said could reach up to R10,000.

She acknowledged that municipalities have a legal right to disconnect water after issuing a 14-day notice, but argued that the impact on households—particularly those needing water for chronic medication, sanitation and dignity—was severe.

King said that the right to water is protected under Section 27 of the Constitution, and warned that disconnections may disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. She also referenced national policy requiring municipalities to provide at least six kilolitres of basic water per month, even to households with outstanding debt.

She argued that CHDM could have used alternatives such as throttling water meters to reduce flow rather than fully cutting supply. King also called for improved indigent register updates, repairs to the billing system, and progress on the prepaid water meter programme.

Her statement ended with an appeal to MEC Williams for intervention to consider “how the decisions taken by council resolutions impact the human rights of the people of Komani”.

Municipality Rejects Claims and Defends Revenue Collection Drive

In response to the remarks, the Chris Hani District Municipality issued a statement on 3 December rejecting what it described as allegations of an “irrational revenue collection drive”.

The municipality said rising levels of non-payment were undermining its ability to provide sustainable water and sanitation services. CHDM stated that its debt book stands at R1.6 billion, with more than 80% owed by residential consumers.

According to the municipality, the disconnections followed its Credit Control Policy, Debt Management Policy and Revenue Management By-law. Notices were issued—first 14-day letters, followed by 7-day final notices—alongside public meetings, radio engagements and social media appeals encouraging residents to pay.

The municipality said residents were given opportunities to make payment arrangements or lodge billing disputes, noting that once a formal dispute is submitted, credit control measures are temporarily suspended.

CHDM disputed claims that half the Komani community had been left without water, calling it a “distortion of facts”. It said that water tanks and water carts have been deployed each morning to affected households to ensure basic access.

The municipality also denied that the smart water meter programme had stalled, stating that teams are currently conducting meter audits in preparation for installations aimed at high-consumption households.

CHDM added that its revenue strategy is already prompting more residents to come forward to settle outstanding accounts.

Ongoing Debate in Komani

The contrasting positions highlight a growing tension between financial sustainability and constitutional rights. While King argues that vulnerable households are bearing the brunt of enforcement, CHDM maintains it is acting within policy to stabilise its finances and protect service delivery.