White River Ratepayers Association

04/02/2026

https://youtu.be/7ZCorDkkjko?si=3SNF4UELJEt0OYWk

2026 is not another election.It’s the final off-ramp before irreversible collapse.__________Hold the line for Warras: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/h...

17/01/2026

This town White River belongs to its property owners. The Rate payers.

SAPS and the Government work for US.....NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

The WRRA is not just a stakeholder in what happens in our town we FULLY represent this town as we were publically appointed and elected.

This should be the message that goes out on ALL platforms.

Government must answer to the people. FULL STOP. We are the people. Engage us....talk to us.....we have the say what happen in our town.

08/01/2026

Our Question, to COM..
"Why are only 2 out of 5 pumps at the WRWTP working" was taken to COM official for answers by Councelor on our request.

The following answer as a Summary.

As of January 7, 2026, Rowan Torr provides the following technical update as received from COM representative
regarding the White River Water Treatment Plant (WRWTP):

Pump Status: There are currently three pumps operational. While additional pumps have been purchased or approved for purchase from Dawson and Dobson, the current pump capacity is sufficient for the volume the plant can currently handle.

There is a
Filtration Crisis: The primary bottleneck is the filtration system. Adding more pumps is ineffective if the old filtration system cannot process the increased volume.

Funding and Planning Issues: The refurbishment project is underfunded and faces internal disagreements. Planning teams are debating between refurbishing existing infrastructure and purchasing new package plant modules.

Budget History: Although the project has appeared in budgets since at least last year, Torr notes a history of funds being reallocated or failing to reach the project, comparing it to the long-delayed Tom Lawrence Street upgrade (budgeted since 2014/15).
Conclusion: The focus should shift from the number of pumps to the progress of the overall refurbishment, as the plant remains in critical condition due to operational and financial constraints.

Our DEMAND NOW!!

[01/08, 07:22] Pierre: Thank you Councelor Rowan Torr for following up the question with COM officials.

We will follow up on this as the plant is not running at its designed capacity due to the poor management of COM.

[01/08, 08:28] Pierre: We demand reaction from the Municipal Manager and or the Mayor. Explaining to the Rate Payers.
1 )What the plan is for WRWTP and how it is put into practice.
2)We need a specific timeline.
3)WE REQUIRE THIS FEED BACK WITHIN HOURS NOT DAYS.

THANK YOU.

18/09/2025

If student housing causes disturbances, email [email protected]
and CC [email protected]
Ask the City of Mbombela to confirm if the property is registered and act if it is not.

Thank you for helping us keep our neighbourhood safe and enjoyable for all.

09/09/2025

✨ White River glows golden each spring, help us capture it! Share your photos or memories of the Trumpet Trees.

08/09/2025

Community update A refurbished Jetter Machine has arrived!

After years of requests, complaints, and constant reporting, the City of Mbombela has finally delivered a refurbished Jetter machine to White River. This equipment will be used to clear sewerage pipes and unblock our water systems, a much-needed step to reduce the ongoing spills and health risks in our community.
While we welcome this progress, it should not take years of pleading from ratepayers, who continue paying high rates and taxes just to access the basic service delivery we are entitled to.
We’ll be watching closely to see if this new machine brings real, lasting improvements for White River.

04/09/2025

Leaking Colts Hill pump station is sending raw sewage into our groundwater. Years of inaction from Council are putting every borehole and the environment in danger.

04/09/2025

Look at the current state of a key pump station that is completely broken. This pump is crucial for our town’s water and sewage system, and its failure is seriously affecting our community.

04/09/2025

Raw sewage is being managed by a single security guard who must manually switch the pump on and off, often too late. This failure is spilling sewage into White River’s catchment area and polluting our nature reserve.

04/09/2025

Failed wastewater plant is dumping raw sewage straight into the White River. This neglect pollutes our environment and endangers community health.

04/09/2025

Johan Heymans (Chairman of WRRA) says the failed wastewater plant is spilling raw sewage into the White River, polluting dams and even reaching Mozambique. The municipality has blocked WRRA from inspecting the site to hold them accountable and confirm if repairs have begun.

04/09/2025

Pierre du Preez (Vice Chairman WRRA) highlights broken water pumps and failing sewage systems in White River. Despite residents spending thousands to help, the municipality still refuses to act.