The ongoing water and sewage crisis in Middelburg in the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality has reached a critical point and now threatens the health and safety of its residents.
For several weeks now, residents have been struggling with unreliable water supply and compromised sanitation due to cable theft and vandalism at local water and sewage pump stations.
I have therefore called for urgent provincial government intervention as the situation now poses a severe threat to public health and agricultural activities in the area.
The prolonged lack of water and proper sanitation can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, affecting both human and livestock populations. Furthermore, the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Middelburg’s economy, is at risk of significant losses due to inadequate water supply for irrigation and other farming activities.
I have written to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Zolile Williams, requesting him to urgently intervene and take the following actions:
- An immediate deployment of technical teams to repair and secure the damaged infrastructure.
- Implementation of around-the-clock security measures at critical water and sewage facilities to prevent further vandalism and theft.
- A comprehensive plan to provide emergency water supply to affected residents and farmers.
- Collaboration with law enforcement to rapidly investigate and prosecute those responsible for the infrastructure damage.
- A long-term strategy to upgrade and protect water and sewage infrastructure in rural areas.
- Regular updates to the community on progress and expected timelines for full restoration of services.
We will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that this issue is resolved with the urgency it deserves.
The DA will not allow this crisis to continue – the livelihoods of our farmers, the health of our communities, and the future of our rural economies are at stake.