Lekwa municipality water supply problems dampen local food security

The Lekwa Local Municipality in South Africa is facing a severe water crisis that is not only affecting its residents but also threatening the local economy, particularly the poultry production industry. Astral Foods, a major poultry producer in the region, has reported that 40% of its production has been impacted by the municipality's interrupted water supply. The executive mayor's office has been engaged in consultations with various stakeholders, including Astral Foods, to address the water supply challenges, but the situation remains dire. The municipality is responsible for supplying 7 mega liters of water, of which only 2 mega liters are being provided directly to Astral Foods, falling short of the agreed amount. The remaining water is sourced by Astral Foods independently. The municipality claims that a consensus was reached with Astral Foods on a temporary solution, which will last for 24 months. However, critics argue that the engagements with stakeholders have not yielded significant changes or improvements in the water supply situation. During a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Mandla Mputhi, Manager at the Executive Mayor's Office of Lekwa Local Municipality, defended the municipality's actions, stating that Astral Foods is now fetching its own water, hence reducing the burden on the municipality to supply water to the public. However, concerns have been raised about the long-term viability of this arrangement and the impact it is having on the local community. Despite the ongoing water supply challenges, the municipality has not issued a formal apology or outlined a clear plan to address the crisis. Questions have been raised about the municipality's financial capacity to invest in infrastructure improvements that would ensure a consistent and reliable water supply for its residents and businesses. The lack of proactive measures to address the water crisis is exacerbating the situation and putting additional strain on local businesses and households. The water supply challenges in the Lekwa Municipality are not only threatening the livelihoods of residents but also jeopardizing the food security and economy of the region. The poultry industry, in particular, is bearing the brunt of the water crisis, with significant production losses reported by Astral Foods. The municipality must urgently take concrete steps to resolve the water supply issues and prevent further economic losses. In response to mounting criticism, the municipality has emphasized its commitment to protecting the water supply and ensuring uninterrupted access for residents. However, concrete actions and investments in infrastructure improvements are needed to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent future disruptions. The situation in Lekwa Municipality serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reliable water infrastructure for local communities and businesses.