The Dr. Beyers Naude Municipality said that the water in Graaff-Reinet remains safe for consumption despite numerous reports from residents claiming otherwise.
Last week, multiple posts circulated on social media reporting raw sewage running into the Nqweba Dam as well as reports of discoloured and contaminated water running from household taps.
Municipal spokesperson, Wilka Smith, says they are well aware of the reports but said the drinking water in the town remains safe for both household use and consumption.
"We are aware of the comments circulating around in Graaff Reinet. The municipality can assure that the water is safe for drinking purposes but we request that people do boil the water before they consume it," she said.
Local residents have also since created a Facebook page, Graaff-Reinet Water Crisis, asking for water donations due to the town's dire water situation as the town also recently has switched over from dam water to borehole water due to low water levels.
The DA has also written to the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance to intervene, saying although drought relief funding has been allocated to Dr. Beyers Naude Municipality, it has not yet been used, and there seems to be no urgency from the municipality to take action.
(Pics: Graaff-Reinet Water Crisis - Facebook)
