Fochville residents accuse municipality of emotional manipulation over water supply issues

Residents of Fochville are speaking out in frustration against the Merafong Local Municipality, alleging that the local administration has been playing games with their lives concerning the ongoing water supply crisis.

As anger swells over a fluctuating water supply, residents assert that the recent partial restoration of water service was nothing more than a calculated move timed to quell impending protests.

In the days leading up to a scheduled protest action last Tuesday, many households in the area experienced a brief reprieve from what they described as 'disruptive' water shortages. The restoration of service ignited hope among residents, who celebrated what they believed to be an actual response to their grievances

However, mere days after the demonstration, residents reported that the water supply was once again curtailed, leaving them feeling manipulated and disheartened.

On Tuesday, Residents of Kokosi township in Johannesburg’s West Rand marched from the township to the N12 highway to protest against the area's lack of water.

Following this, the community gave the municipality mayor Nozuko Best, 24 hours to restore their water supply or resign, failing which, they would return to the streets again.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Buti Elliot Mtembu indicated that the community has been left stranded once again as the water supply has quickly run dry. Mtembu issued a statement at the weekend.

He accused both the municipality and water utility, Rand Water, of engaging in a 'political game' with the lives of the community, adding that  the community has battled constant water supply for more than two months.

"On the eve of the September 23 shutdown, these entities (Merafong Municipality and Rand Water) suddenly opened the water supply, only to close it again last night, the 25th of September. This brazen act is a clear provocation designed to infuriate and insult our community, undermining our dignity and our right to access basic water services," stated Mtembu.

On learning about the situation, Mtembu indicated that they have not been given a clear explanation of what is happening, leaving residents more confused about the real situation of the water challenges in the area.

"When questioned about this sudden and suspicious flow of water, Merafong City could not provide a credible explanation. It became painfully obvious that Rand Water is engaging in political games and power struggles at the expense of our people's lives," he said.

Attempts to get a comment from Rand Water were unsuccessful at the time of going to print. However, the municipality, through its spokesperson, Thabo Maloja, said it has taken note of the allegations made by the community through its appointed leaders.

Maloja said the municipality is engaged in different ways of managing the situation, including dialogue with both the community and Rand Water.

"The allegations that the mayor and the municipal manager sabotaged the community protests or were directly involved in opening the water supply are false and baseless...The municipality urges all residents to remain calm and to participate in constructive, solution-oriented engagement as the municipality remains committed to finding lasting solutions to the water challenges facing communities and calls for Rand Water and all relevant stakeholders to continue engaging in good faith," he said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za