• Sarah Schoonwinkel writes:
Good afternoon Mr Gray,
It has been quite some time since this water debacle commenced: more than 205 consecutive days in fact that West Village has struggled without water every morning between midnight and 06:00.
• Also read: LETTER: It’s now one hundred days and counting … — West Village resident
Your responses to my mails, Tweets and communications have been lukewarm to say the least. When last I brought the subject to your attention I was told that this matter was due to be heard in court during November and would be resolved. As you will no doubt be aware it is the 21st today which means that you have precisely seven working days left in order to make good on that assurance.
During the time we have had no early morning water we have experienced a devastating fire in which a young man died. The fire brigade was summoned to no avail as they were unable to pump water from the fire hydrants to extinguish the blaze. We have had several occasions during which we had no water at all for a number of days at a time and no explanations from your offices. The situation is critical as this lack of water presents severe health risks.
We have all been surprised that the Krugersdorp Fire Chief has not applied pressure to oblige Krugersdorp’s municipality to resolve this matter urgently but it appears that nobody is especially worried about the fact that West Village is at risk. I suppose to you it’s a case of ‘out of sight is out of mind’.
• Also read: LETTER: West Village issue stems from 2017 – Mayor
Please do not repeat to me that old chestnut about this being a dispute between the West Rand Power Distributors and the municipality. If it couldn’t be resolved since it first came to light in 2017 then clearly there is no will on the part of your offices to resolve this. I however will not give up this fight until a full water supply is restored to West Village every single day. If needs be I will approach the highest authority possible until this is finally sorted out in our favour.
I look forward to hearing that our water supply is restored. Soon, if not sooner.
The municipality acknowledged the complaint and we are awaiting their response which will be published once received — Ed.
