Dire water situation forces people to resort to purchasing costly purified water for basic needs

For months,  residents of Parys have been enduring a severe water crisis. A situation that could have been resolved with simple and cost-effective interventions, the DA  said in a statement.

“Regrettably, essential equipment such as the air pressure pump, vital for the backwashing process, was removed months ago by a technical director who has been on special leave since. The lack of regular meetings within the technical committee has resulted in these issues persisting. Moreover, the replacement of sand mediums was initiated but left incomplete for five months, leaving both residents and animals without access to clean water. The dire situation has forced people to resort to purchasing costly purified water even for basic needs, illustrating the gravity of the crisis,” Saal de Jager, DA councillor in the Ngwathe Local Municipality said.

He added that the lack of communication between the contractor replacing air valves and valves. and the municipality has intensified water shortages, causing entire days without water supply.

In the past two weeks, the situation has deteriorated further, with residents experiencing repeated disruptions in the same areas.

“The repercussions of this negligence are severe. Basic services, which residents are entitled to, have been compromised. Families are struggling without water for essential needs, and the inability to address these issues promptly only exacerbates the challenges faced by the community.” the DA said, adding that the community is rightfully asking: where is the municipality in this crucial process?