By Obakeng Maje

Tswaing-Residents of Ottosdal and Letsopa have been without water since Friday. 

Eskom allegedly issued a notice of disconnection two weeks ago after non payment from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.

It is alleged that the municipality last paid electricity accounts in April.

“Eskom has since disconnected the power of 6 new boreholes, and this has shut down water supply to Ottosdal and Letsopa. This includes 11 of Tswaing municipality’s 15 wards” DA councillor in the area, Caren Visser said in a statement.

Visser said the District Municipality has known about this for some time, after Eskom gave notice of their intention to disconnect the electricity 3 weeks ago. 

“All that the District Municipality had to do, was pay its bill on time, and this crisis would have been avoided” DA said.

The DA has allegedly attempted to contact the Municipal Manager, Dion Mere to assist in resolving this situation, but he has been non-responsive. 

“The people of Ottosdal and Letsopa have the right to water as guaranteed by our constitution. The failure of the municipality to pay its bills and keep the water running is therefore not only a failure on delivery but also a human rights violation” Visser outlines. 

According to opposition party,despite thousands of people being without water in extremely hot and dry conditions, no disaster relief is conducted by the District Municipality. 

“Citizens are left to fend for themselves” said Visser.

They said the current state of affairs is utterly unacceptable. 

“The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality must pay its bills and restore the flow of water as soon as possible”.

DA said if the situation is not rectified shortly, they will approach the Human Rights Commission.-TDN

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