Water Supply Interrupted After Infrastructure Vandalism

The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality has announced a water supply interruption affecting communities serviced by the Hoxane Water Treatment Plant.

The Hoxane plant relies on electricity for the production and purification of water. Due to the damage, water supply to several areas has been interrupted. Communities affected include Mkhuhlu township, Calcutta, Trust, Cork Thulani, Ronaldsey, Mkhuhlu F, Malubane, Goromane, Madras, Kildare and surrounding areas.

Executive Mayor Cllr Lydia Moroane Zitha strongly condemned the act, describing it as “cowardly behaviour” that deprives residents of their constitutional right to clean drinking water. She called on law enforcement to ensure those responsible are held accountable, while urging communities to be vigilant and report any illegal activity in their neighbourhoods.

“We appeal to community structures, especially in the affected areas, to assist in safeguarding water infrastructure,” said Cllr Zitha. “The municipality spends a significant amount to ensure residents have clean water. Vandalism not only costs money but also delays other essential projects.”

The mayor urged residents to remain calm while Eskom works on repairs, assuring them that the water supply will be restored as soon as the infrastructure is fixed. She further appealed to the police to intensify their efforts in apprehending the perpetrators.

The municipality reiterated its commitment to providing quality services and protecting state-of-the-art infrastructure from criminal damage.