26/05/2026
2026.05.26
EMTHANJENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
RESPONSE TO WATER SUPPLY CHALLENGES IN DE AAR
For Immediate Release
Emthanjeni Local Municipality acknowledges the concerns raised by residents regarding ongoing water supply challenges experienced in De Aar and surrounding areas.
The Municipality recognises the seriousness of the situation and the impact that intermittent water supply interruptions have had on households, businesses, institutions, and vulnerable members of the community. Reliable access to water remains a constitutional obligation and one of the Municipality’s highest service delivery priorities.
CURRENT WATER SUPPLY CHALLENGES
The Municipality confirms that De Aar has experienced recurring water supply interruptions and pressure instability arising from a combination of factors, including:
• Ageing bulk water infrastructure;
• Mechanical failures at booster pump stations;
• Reservoir level instability;
• Increased demand on an already constrained system;
• Historical maintenance backlogs;
• Drought-related pressures affecting borehole performance; and
• Broader financial and operational constraints affecting municipalities nationally.
The Municipality has continued to implement emergency repair interventions and maintenance work to stabilise the water supply system. Public notices regarding planned maintenance, pump repairs, and emergency interventions have been communicated through official municipal platforms.
The Municipality wishes to clarify that infrastructure projects, particularly large-scale water infrastructure programmes, are implemented over multiple phases and financial periods. Expenditure patterns within a specific reporting quarter do not necessarily indicate project failure or abandonment.
Major infrastructure projects require:
• Detailed planning and design;
• Environmental and regulatory approvals;
• Procurement and supply chain compliance processes;
• Engineering assessments;
• Contractor appointments; and
• Phased construction implementation.
As a result, expenditure on infrastructure grants does not always occur evenly throughout the financial year.
CURRENT AND PLANNED INTERVENTIONS
The Municipality confirms that several interventions are currently underway or being advanced to improve water supply reliability in De Aar.
Ongoing Maintenance and Emergency Measures
Current interventions include:
• Repairs to booster pump infrastructure;
• Maintenance and repair work on water systems;
• Reservoir management and pressure control measures;
• Water-shedding where necessary to preserve limited supply; and
• Deployment of water tankers to affected communities during emergencies.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Water Augmentation
The Municipality continues to engage Provincial and National Government stakeholders regarding infrastructure funding and long-term water security interventions.
Plans under consideration and implementation include:
• Bulk water infrastructure upgrades;
• Groundwater development initiatives;
• Borehole optimisation projects;
• Infrastructure refurbishment and renewal programmes; and
• Sustainable long-term water augmentation measures.
The Municipality remains committed to improving infrastructure implementation capacity and accelerating project delivery.
The Municipality would like to put it categorically that no malice and or intention is ochastrated by the municipality to frustrate the residents of Emthanjeni Municipality. The Municipality is working very hard to ensure there is sustainable and reliable water distribution for all households.
At the same time, the Municipality acknowledges that:
• Communities have been negatively affected by water supply interruptions;
• Communication with residents must continuously improve;
• Infrastructure implementation capacity requires strengthening; and
• Oversight and project management must remain rigorous.
The Municipality remains accountable through:
• Provincial Government oversight;
• National Treasury reporting mechanisms;
• Municipal Finance Management Act compliance obligations;
• Audit and governance processes; and
• Municipal Council oversight structures.
MUNICIPAL COMMITMENT
Emthanjeni Local Municipality remains committed to restoring stable and reliable water supply services through immediate, medium-term, and long-term interventions.
Immediate priorities include:
• Emergency repairs and maintenance;
• Reservoir and pressure management;
• Improved communication with residents; and
• Emergency water supply support where required.
Long-term priorities include:
• Sustainable water augmentation initiatives;
• Infrastructure renewal and refurbishment;
• Borehole optimisation programmes; and
• Long-term water security planning.
CONCLUSION
The Municipality appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents during this challenging period.
Emthanjeni Local Municipality reiterates that:
• The challenges are recognised;
• Interventions are ongoing;
• Infrastructure improvements are being pursued; and
• Engagement with oversight and funding authorities continues.
The Municipality remains committed to improving the quality of life of all residents and ensuring sustainable access to reliable water services.
Residents are encouraged to follow official municipal communication platforms for updates regarding maintenance work, repairs, and water supply notices.
END.
