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Merafong Water Crisis Deepens as Rand Water Cuts Supply Over R1.2 Billion Debt
Residents of Merafong are once again facing severe water shortages as Rand Water has cut the municipality’s supply by 20% after the local government defaulted on a staggering R1.2 billion payment. The ongoing crisis worsens an already difficult situation for communities, including those who consistently pay their water bills.
Almost a year after water rationing began under the Carletonville-based municipality, the situation has deteriorated due to financial mismanagement and neglect. The municipality has failed to pay Rand Water since April, triggering a significant reduction in supply that impacts daily life across Merafong, Carltonville, Fochville, and even nearby mining areas.
Financial Mismanagement and Infrastructure Failures
DA shadow MEC for infrastructure, Nico de Jager, has publicly blamed the crisis on incompetent leadership and widespread mismanagement. He highlighted that the municipality is struggling to meet its financial obligations because of years of maladministration.
“Up to 50% of water is lost due to neglected infrastructure, leaks, and unmetered use,” de Jager explained. He emphasized that the cash-strapped municipality’s failure to maintain critical water systems is now affecting essential services, including hospitals.
The consequences of this failure have hit loyal customers hard. Despite paying their bills, residents face daily water rationing and even complete cut-offs — an unfair burden that has sparked growing frustration in the community.
Calls for Government Intervention
De Jager has urged Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo to intervene immediately. He warned that without decisive action, more communities will be left thirsty, and Rand Water will struggle to maintain its infrastructure.
The water crisis extends beyond Merafong itself. The DA’s calls for urgent intervention reflect the broader impact on the region’s health and economic activities, including mining operations that rely heavily on consistent water supply.
Related Municipal Failures and Human Rights Concerns
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has also been called to step in, particularly regarding the Emfuleni Local Municipality. In a formal complaint, DA Emfuleni North constituency head Kingsol Chabalala accused the municipality of violating residents’ constitutional rights to water, sanitation, and proper sewage management.
Despite an urgent need to repair aging water and sewer systems, Emfuleni recently returned R636 million of its Municipal Infrastructure Grant to the National Treasury, funds that could have alleviated some of the suffering.
What Lies Ahead?
Without immediate government support and improved financial management, the Merafong water crisis threatens to worsen. Residents who depend on reliable water supply — including hospitals and industries — continue to bear the brunt of administrative failures and infrastructure neglect.
The current situation serves as a stark reminder that sustainable water management requires transparency, accountability, and prioritizing essential services for all.
{Source: The Citizen}
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