FREE
Established 1991
Wednesday, 23 April 2025
Water supply cuts have residents with hands in hair
Taps running on empty TEBOHO SETENA
Scores of residents in the Bloemfontein areas of Heidedal, Bloemside, and Opkoms have been left without water supply for days. The Mangaung Metro Municipality has disconnected the supply to households in its desperate attempt to recoup money owned by residents in order to service its large debt to the supplier Vaal Central Water (formerly Bloemwater). The metro’s debt is projected to be R743 million: comprising R430 million for municipal services, R142 million for rates and taxes, and R171 million to Centlec for electricity. Affected residents have expressed utter disgust. “The municipality has put our lives at risks. Should it happen that a fire breaks out, it is obvious the house will burn to ashes because there is no water,” said a resident who spoke anonymously. According to granny Sarah Francis (80), who resides in Tom Swart Street, the water supply was disconnected early on 14 April.
The metro’s debt is projected to be R743 million
“I discovered this on my arrival from the shop. At first, I thought it was low-flow water due to a burst pipe elsewhere, but I was shocked after finding out the water supply is completely shut, no drop in the taps since last Monday. “I am surviving with 15 litres of water supplied by good neighbours. It is for cooking, bathing and toilet usage, but it is extremely difficult for me to cope as a pensioner,” said Francis, showing a dry tap in her kitchen. Francis is of the more than 30 residents in the street in question who had their supply disconnected. Residents expressed grave concerns about excessive water bills from the Mangaung Metro. They are suggesting they may be overcharged. “We are still using old meters, and we have for the longest time not seen any municipal workers visiting households to take readings; it is all estimation,” said
one resident. Tension reached boiling point on Thursday, 17 April, when some residents resorted to engaging the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to intervene, as several had their water supply completely disconnected. “We have already brought this to the attention of the city manager and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s mayoral committees. We will further engage with the metro to address these violations. “Should this not be attended with the urgency it deserves, the commission will be left with no choice but to secure redress for these violations. “The commission is aware that the metro is trying to recover its costs from residents who are in arrears for payment of services rendered. “The commission encourages residents to pay for services rendered,” said Thonoko Modise, acting Free State HRC manager. The Free State government has an outstanding municipal debt regarding water reportedly standing at R989 million for the 2024-’25 financial year.
Sarah Francis (80), showing a dry tap in her kitchen. She is among the more than 30 residents in Tom Swart Street who had their water completely disconnected. Photo: Teboho Setena
BLOEM SHOW GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, CATERING TO PATRONS’ NEEDS TEBOHO SETENA It is all systems go for the big reveals at the annual Bloem Show, the largest consumer event in central South Africa. The annual event is celebrating its 142nd anniversary of thriving as a catalyst for economic growth. This year’s edition will, from Friday, 25 April, to Monday, 5 May, showcase diverse franchises both private and public, ranging from agriculture to technology.
This will be the fourth instalment after the Covid-19-pandemic, with the event still standing by thriving through economic challenges. The theme for this year is “Carnival”. According to Elmarie Prinsloo, chief executive officer (CEO), there are significant developments. “Over the years, it is clear that the event has evolved to meet the changing interests of its visitors. “The 2025 Bloem Show promises to
be an event that people of all ages can enjoy together, offering an amazing lineup of artist performances. “Performances vary from Afrikaans performers Ricus Nel to Riaan Benadé, Bernice West, Bok van Blerk and Appel,” said Prinsloo. A gospel and soul concert will be held on Sunday, featuring Rev. Thami Mancho, Manana and Paul Mtirara. In addition, there will be the ever-popular FamFest on the last Saturday, 3 May
featuring, among others, acts such as Felo le Tee, TBO, DJ Jacob, and LeGoody. “The Bloem Show continues to thrive despite economic challenges, offering businesses and visitors valuable opportunities. “It contributes more than R60 million to the local economy and creates more than 1 100 temporary jobs over the two weeks of staging in Bloemfontein,” said Prinsloo. She said patrons could look forward
to a real treat, as well as strengthening business ties, adding that there were positive signs of recovery after Covid-19 restrictions. “Last year, more than 126 000 people visited Bloem Show over a period of ten days,” said Prinsloo. Bloem Show admission fees are R120 per adult, and R50 for children between six and 17 years, students, and pensioners. Children younger than six years enter for free.