Theunissen water crisis: Stalled progress raises concerns as community calls for action

In a recent development surrounding Theunissen’s water crisis, members of the Masilo Community and Theunissen Business Community organized a visit to the vandalized Water Treatment plant to assess the progress.

Surprisingly, only two security personnel were on site with no sign of the contractor, raising concerns among the community members.

The municipality’s previous updates had indicated that the contractor would be working diligently to restore water supply to the community within two weeks.

However, the on-site observations revealed a different reality, with the only noticeable progress being the replacement of a power line pole. Security measures prevented visitors from entering the plant, leaving many questions unanswered.

The water crisis has become a pressing issue for the entire Masilo and Theunissen community.

Masilonyana Mayor Dimakatso Modise, and councillors reported during a community meeting on Tuesday, January 9, that the contractor was actively working on-site and pledged to complete the job within the promised two-week timeframe.

As the situation unfolds, the community remains skeptical due to the lack of visible progress.

To address the immediate water needs, two water trucks have been deployed to deliver water to the community.

Notably, other trucks belonging to the contractor, Ben, responsible for repairing the plant, have been barred from entering the site.

Calls for terminating Ben’s contract have gained momentum, intensifying the frustration within the community.

Further complicating the situation, Executive Mayor Modise informed the community that Bloem Water would take over all water and sanitation plants in Masilonyana, managing them for an anticipated three-year period. The commencement of this takeover, however, remains uncertain.

The community’s dissatisfaction extends beyond water supply issues. Demands for the dissolution of the current council have been voiced, accompanied by a specific call for the Mayor’s resignation due to perceived failures in delivering essential services.

Allegations of corruption within the council have further fueled discontent among community members.

In response to the growing concerns and demands, the council has committed to scheduling another community meeting soon.

The outcome of this meeting will likely play a crucial role in shaping the community’s perspective on the ongoing water crisis and the effectiveness of the council’s actions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we closely follow the unfolding events in Theunissen.

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