DA in Bela Bela demands clarity on murky tap water

Issued by Vincent Mahlare – DA Councillor- Bela Bela Local Municipality
26 Mar 2025 in Press Statements

The DA in Bela Bela will table a motion  at the next council sitting to demand clarity around the brown tap water affecting residents of Lesideng and Mandela Village.

Residents in affected areas have been complaining about murky brown water coming out of their taps since late last year. (See photos here and here)

An independent water quality evaluation  report from water samples taken at 17 Hospital Street, released on 23 January 2025, confirmed  the water in Bela-Bela is not suitable for human consumption.

Following the report ,the municipality issued  statements  trivialising the report  and assured residents that it will look into the matter.

Despite the municipality’s commitment to improve the water quality, there has been little or no change. Residents are still faced with brown water in their taps and forced to buy water, which many can ill afford.

The DA would like evidence- based clarity on the quality of the water as well as a firm commitment on when the situation will be remedied; if not, we will lay criminal charges against the responsible officials.