By Thys Khiba – Matjhabeng Local Municipality Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Safety, Reuben Tlake confirmed disruptions of water supply in Ventersburg area will be resolved by the municipality at least on Wednesday.
Residents of Ventersburg have been left without water supply for three weeks.
“What we were told from the engineers’ side is that they will start to pump on Tuesday. So in two days time, residents can expect water supply on their taps,” said Tlake.
This comes after affected Ventersburg residents took it to the streets to demand water shortages in the area to come to an end. It is alleged that angry residents have been stoning the police.
The municipality blamed Eskom implemented load shedding for water supply disruptions in the area.
“The implemented load shedding by Eskom is the one that is affecting us. Because the pumps are operating via electricity and each time when there is a load shedding, pumps cannot operate,” said Tlake.
On Monday, the executive mayor of the responsible local municipality, Thanduxolo Khalipa sent two MMCs of the executive to the affected area, to address frustrated residents of Ventersburg.
“The executive mayor tasked myself, and MMC Xoli Masina of Infrastructure because he got information that there is a protest there. He tasked us to go and address community members, just to give them clarity in terms of what is happening,” said Tlake.
Earlier on Tlake posted on his social media account accusingresidents of holding him ‘hostage’ until water comes back in the area.
“They said MMC Xoli can leave me behind.. Myself, I must remain until water comes back.”
*SOCIAL MEDIA POST*
Speaking to Free State Central News, Tlake confirmed he was released after informing community members that water tankertrucks will be sent to the area.
South African Police Service spokesperson Lorraine Earle confirmed police officers were sent to monitor and manage the scene of protesting residents of Ventersburg on Monday.
Earle has indicated that the protest started in the morning and later reported as violent protest.
The busy N1 stretch via Kroonstad and Bloemfontein is currently affected by the service delivery protest.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes from Bloemfontein through Brandfort Toll Gate to join N1 to Kroonstad.
“The N1 is closed so people must use alternative routes. From Kroonstad via Welkom to Bloemfontein. At Brandfort the road will also be closed – the Brandfort turn just outside Bloemfontein. People must use the alternative route via Brandfort to get on the N1 at Kroonstad,” said Earle.
CENTRAL NEWS
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