With the current water crisis in the Thabazimbi area, the DA made every possible effort to assist residents who are struggling to get access to water in Thabazimbi and Regorogile by personally purchasing a hose and fittings to make a municipal water truck operational and ensure water can be delivered to affected households.
The truck in question had been standing idle for months due to the absence of a hose and basic fittings, a minor operational issue that should have been resolved without delay. For three days, the DA has engaged extensively with the relevant municipal departments to have a water truck released for service. After significant effort, including addressing two mechanical breakdowns, the truck was finally deployed.
The municipality continues to struggle to address water challenges despite repairs to the truck. Unfortunately, after political interference by 3 different political parties, we have subsequently been informed that all trucks are required to adhere strictly to an existing schedule, despite the fact that this particular truck stood unused for an extended period of time while residents were without water.
While schedules are necessary for coordination, they should not become barriers during a crisis situation where basic services are at stake. The insistence on rigid scheduling, without accommodating emergency needs, reflects political resistance rather than a genuine prioritisation of residents’ well-being.
To improve coordination, residents have joined a Water Truck WhatsApp Group to submit verified addresses requiring delivery. This initiative has assisted in structured communication and accountability, however limiting emergency water supply to a cut-off time, while communities remain without reliable access, raises serious concerns about responsiveness and flexibility in service delivery.
Despite ongoing efforts to assist constructively, resistance continues to undermine and frustrate practical solutions to address the municipality’s crippling water shortages. Service delivery must never be hindered by administrative rigidity or political considerations when residents are in urgent need of basic services.
The DA is committed to ensuring that the people of Thabazimbi receive adequate basic services and the current water challenges are addressed. We will continue to monitor the situation until it is resolved.