The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has called on the Nkomazi Local Municipality to recover millions paid to a contractor for an incomplete water project meant to supply residents of Naas and surrounding villages.
The R39 million project, initiated in March 2020, was scheduled for completion in 2022 but remains unfinished, leaving communities in Ngwenyeni, Edludluma, and Steenbok without reliable water access. Residents are forced to purchase water from private tankers, with some paying up to R700 per load.
“We Have Never Had Water”
Frustrated locals shared their struggles, revealing that pipelines installed years ago remain dry.
“We buy water here. The Jojo tanks you see are empty,” said one resident. “I pay R400 for a small tank, while others pay R700. We’ve never had water since we started living here.”
Another resident added, “I was born here, and we’ve never had water. The tower tankers don’t work, and the Jojo tanks are empty.”
DA Calls for Money to Be Recovered
The DA has raised concerns over the mismanagement of funds, demanding that the municipality recoup the money from the contractor.
“The project was supposed to provide water to Steenbok, Ngwenyeni, and nearby villages, but it remains incomplete,” said a DA representative. “The mayor must recover the money from the contractor.”
Provincial Investigation Underway
The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs has launched an investigation into alleged maladministration, fraud, and corruption within the Nkomazi Municipality.
A provincial official stated, “The community is aware of the problems in Nkomazi. We have instituted an investigation, which will look into maladministration, fraud, and nepotism. A report will be presented to the council within three months.”
Residents Await Relief
With the investigation ongoing, residents continue to endure daily hardships, hoping for accountability and a lasting solution to the water crisis.
The DA has vowed to monitor the situation closely, pressing for transparency and swift action to address the failed project.
