Credit where it’s due: Sol Plaatje gets it right

TOO OFTEN, we find ourselves criticising local government for poor service delivery, miscommunication, and lack of planning — and rightly so, in many cases. However, it is just as important to give credit where credit is due. In the case of the recent extended water shutdown in Kimberley, the Sol Plaatje Municipality deserves recognition for how it managed the situation.

For years, residents have grown frustrated with how water outages have been handled in this city. In the past, maintenance shutdowns would happen with little notice, vague timelines, and even vaguer updates. Days would go by without water, and residents would be left in the dark - angry and helpless. The frustration was not only about the water being off but also about the lack of communication and respect shown to residents. It created mistrust and a sense that no one cared.

But this time around, it was different, and pleasantly so.

The shutdown was announced well in advance, and residents were given time to prepare. Water collection points were set up across the city, and water tankers made regular rounds to ensure JoJo tanks were kept filled. There was a level of co-ordination that we simply hadn’t seen before, and it made a world of difference.

Perhaps the most impressive element of this shutdown was the consistent and transparent communication from the municipality. Updates were shared regularly, and the public was kept informed throughout. A special mention must go to Thabo Mothibi, the municipality’s spokesperson, who communicated clearly and often, providing much-needed reassurance. His updates were timely, informative, and honest, something residents deeply appreciated.

Another well-deserved acknowledgement goes to the dedicated men and women who worked tirelessly throughout the shutdown. Many of them braved long hours and cold early mornings to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their commitment and hard work played a vital role in the success of the operation. Without their efforts on the ground, none of this would have been possible. To each and every one of you, thank you for your service and dedication.

Playing open cards with the public might seem like a small gesture, but in times of inconvenience and uncertainty, it goes a long way in building trust. This shutdown could have turned into another chaotic mess, but because of better planning and communication, it was manageable. Most importantly, it showed that the municipality can get it right.

Of course, there's still room for improvement, and this one success doesn’t erase past failures. But it does show that change is possible and that the Sol Plaatje Municipality is capable of delivering a well-organised, resident-focused response during challenging times.

They should take pride in how they handled this shutdown. If this approach can become the norm rather than the exception, we might begin to see a turning point in how residents view their municipality.

Sol Plaatje, take a bow; you’ve earned it this time.