Diamond Park voters in Kimberly hoping for better service delivery amid ongoing water crisis

KIMBERLEY - On Saturday morning, there was no bright dawn in Kimberley, only the drizzle of rain and overcast skies.

Eyewitness News is in the suburb of Diamond Park, which is nestled between the tailings of the nearby mines and the railway line, is facing a water crisis.

This is also where the provincial government only managed to deliver RDP houses to half of the community before running out of money.

Businesses in this area have also been hit by an ongoing water crisis.

The rain brings some relief for residents and gardeners, as no one there knows what time in the morning the Sol Plaatje Municipality will be turning back on the water supply after the nightly shutdown.

The city is experiencing a crisis due to years of lack of maintenance.

The municipality will be utilising a grant of R2.5 billion from Treasury to upgrade the water infrastructure, but it will take another five to seven years to complete.

Voters are hoping for better service delivery.

Bonolo Modise, provincial electoral officer, said he did not foresee any problems with the registration process during the weekend.

“We’ve ensured that all logistics are in order. All of the staff have been trained and are ready to ensure that those who are interested to participate in the upcoming national and provincial elections are given that opportunity by being included in the national voters’ roll.”

Modise also urged voters to register or confirm their details on the voters’ roll.