Recent testing of the poor-quality municipal water in Calitzdorp and Matjiesfontein found significant quantities of the toxic bacteria E. coli and other coliform bacteria. These towns belong to the Kannaland and Laingsburg municipalities.

Kannaland is run by a coalition of the ANC and ICOSA, and is led by convicted child rapist Jeffrey Donson, whereas Laingsburg is run by a coalition of the ANC, PA and the local Karoo Democratic Force.

Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell confirmed the contamination in response to a question posed in the legislature.

The poor water quality in Calitzdorp and Ladismith is attributed to a lack of technical capacity, including vacant critical positions, lack of proactive maintenance, and a shortage of water treatment chemicals.

Matjiesfontein's water issues are linked to borehole contamination, sewage outflow, pipeline repairs, and inadequate water treatment.

Kannaland Municipality claims to be taking measures, such as obtaining testing kits and procuring necessary chemicals. Laingsburg Municipality has made plans for reservoir cleaning, rotating sampling points, and public awareness campaigns.

But significant and serious responses to these shortcomings remains absent.

Deteriorating service delivery in Kannaland and Laingsburg raises concerns about residents' well-being, with calls for accountability.

Kannaland Municipality receiving a "bad status" (92.31%) according to a Blue Drop Watch Report for drinking water in June, putting it on par for one of the worst places to drink tap water in the entire country.