Taps in the town of Bethal, Mpumalanga have run dry after the Govan Mbeki Municipality failed to pay Rand Water an estimated R87.7 million for water services rendered.
The water restrictions imposed on the municipality by Rand Water has placed a heavy strain on the community which has seen schools and local business close their doors because there is no water for drinking or sanitation. The situation has prompted Bethal residents to protest outside the municipal headquarters in the coming week over what they believe is mismanagement of funds. According to reports residents claim they have been diligent in paying their utility bills on time and are angered by the municipality’s silence on the water situation.Investigations needed
The South African Instituition of Civil Engineering (SAICE) notes that in addition to the planned march to the municipal headquarters, residents also want to involve the Auditor General to investigate the city accounts in order to understand why the city is unfit to pay its bills.The lack of water is one of the many issues, which the residents are facing. Reports also indicate that the municipality also owes an estimated R1 billion to Eskom and as a result the town may be soon without electricity.
“This unfortunate situation, which has placed not only a great and unfair strain on Bethal and its surrounding areas such as eMmbalenhle, Leandre and Kinross, is a result of the evident maladministration of the local municipality. The residents are victim to poor service delivery, corruption as well as dealing with a government entity which exercises zero transparency,” SAICE says.
