Archive photo (Photo: Maroela Media)
Residents of the informal settlement near Poort Beton in Upington have been facing a water crisis for years, and despite repeated promises by the Dawid Kruiper municipality, basic access to water remains unattainable.
The situation has now reached a boiling point, with the DA sharply criticizing the municipality for the lack of progress.
Flip van der Steen, DA ward councilor of the Dawid Kruiper municipality, says the municipality’s handling of the matter is unacceptable.
“The Dawid Kruiper municipality has now finally let the residents of this settlement down. Specific promises were made that there would already be community taps by the end of October 2025, but it is now clear that these promises were nothing more than empty words.
“The people here have been struggling for years without a consistent water supply, and the fact that nothing has been done is a sharp indictment of the municipality’s priorities,” said Van der Steen.
About three weeks ago, a single water tank was delivered to the settlement to serve the entire community. However, the DA argues that this is only a temporary patch on an open wound and can in no way be considered a sustainable solution to the crisis.
“The delivery of one water tank after years of struggle is simply not enough and it is not sustainable. We know that the infrastructure for a pipeline network is already there. It is incomprehensible that the municipality prefers to continue the tank system.
“It is not only ineffective, but it worsens the daily living conditions of people who are already living in great poverty.”
The DA points out that the installation of community taps is not only the most worthy solution, but also makes financial sense. According to estimates, it will cost approximately R30 000 to connect taps to the existing pipeline network. In contrast, each water tank visit – which currently takes place twice a week – costs approximately R3 000 per trip.
“It is completely illogical to continue with the current system. We are advocating for the installation of taps so that residents can get their own water without having to depend on irregular deliveries that unnecessarily waste taxpayers’ money.”
In an attempt to remedy the situation, the DA submitted a motion to the council asking for the urgent installation of taps. In addition, the party insists on the provision of ablution facilities to ensure that residents of the settlement near Poort Beton have access to basic sanitation and dignified living conditions.
“The DA will continue to follow up on this case with extreme urgency. Access to water is a basic human right. It is absolutely unnecessary and unacceptable that residents are still being denied this fundamental service in 2026.
“We stand with the community and will not rest until a permanent infrastructure is built that gives the people of Poort Beton the human dignity they are entitled to.”