Merafong Municipality accused of failing to take responsibility for water crisis

The Greater Fochville Water Crisis Committee has hit back at the Merafong Local Municipality, accusing it of misleading the public, wasting resources, and failing to take accountability for the ongoing water crisis.

The response follows the municipality’s claim that Rand Water imposed a 40% restriction because of non-payment by residents and mines.

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However, the committee said the municipality is undermining the intelligence and lived experiences of residents by shifting blame onto communities and mining houses.

The members argue that mining houses are already paying half their dues into municipal accounts, with the rest withheld due to ongoing court battles over contested billing.

The Greater Fochville Water Crisis Committee said the households in Fochville and Kokosi were among Merafong’s highest payers.

The committee also accused officials of misusing revenue that should be directed toward service delivery, saying the mayor’s R1.5 million State of the City address could have been used to repair reservoirs or improve water tanker operations.

The mayor’s address came just two weeks after Rand Water escalated supply cuts due to payment defaults.

The committee reiterated its ultimatum for water supply to be restored by Thursday, warning that the municipality’s declarations of solidarity ring hollow without action.

Frustrated by what they described as no-shows from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Rand Water’s CEO, the community said it would now engage both offices directly to find a way forward.

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