Speaker, the residents of Krugersdorp on the West Rand of Gauteng have suffered water cuts in eight out of the last nine months. One recent cut lasted five days. In May, earlier this year, burst pipes left residents without water three times in less than two weeks.
In July, residents experienced cut-offs due to six burst pipes in one day. The affected suburbs are Rant en Dal, Krugersdorp North, Kenmare, Monument, Noordheuwel, Rangeview and Munsieville. How can schools teach and hospitals care for the sick without water? Old-age homes are struggling. People cannot even flush toilets. The situation is dire, posing serious health risks.
Furthermore, residents' constitutional right to water is being seriously infringed. This breakdown in basic service delivery cannot be tolerated. On 14 October 2013 the municipal manager issued a statement for the very first time, stating that because of the resealing project, some in Mogale City will again face water disruptions between 16 and 30 October. Mogale City and Rand Water are currently blaming each other for the disruptions. Rand Water claims that reservoirs are 100% full, while Mogale City claims that the reservoirs are due for upgrading. My colleague hon Dreyer wrote a letter to the Minister of Water Affairs appealing for her urgent intervention. Madam Minister, what has been done to alleviate the crisis in Mogale City? [Applause.]