By: Jane Sithole MPL, DA Mpumalanga Premier Candidate/Provincial Leader
Thousands of people in Nkomazi have been forced to live without adequate access to clean water for the past 25 years by the failing ANC administration in Mpumalanga.
During our tour of Driekoppies in Nkomazi Municipality, we came across people who were forced to walk long distances to visit potentially contaminated ponds and wells in order to gather water. Many of these wells are shared with livestock and other animals (pictures can be downloaded here, here, here and here).
Unfortunately, these inhuman living conditions are not only real for the people of Kenya village in Driekoppies but for many rural communities in this municipality. Despite this, the municipality gave R13.5 million back to national treasury after failing to use it for water provision.
According to a letter from national treasury which was directed to the municipality on 30 November 2018; the following are reasons why the money was taken back;
- Lack of skills and capacity;
- Late appointment for old Tonga bulk pipeline, reticulation and storage at a price of R327 000;
- No appointment letter and implementation plan for construction of Mandulo ground water reservoir;
- Late appointment for construction of Mananga water reticulation;
- Late appointment of service provider or contractor for construction of water pipeline for Driekoppies Regional Water scheme.
The Democratic Alliance will write to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), asking for an investigation into the gross violation of human rights currently taking place in Nkomazi.
The people of Nkomazi have waited long enough to be treated like humans, we cannot waist anymore time while thousands continue to be exposed to waterborne diseases while the ANC returns money that was meant to restore the dignity of the residents of Nkomazi.
The DA is building a future where all people have access to basic services and no longer have to wait long periods for their government to respond. The DA is the only party that can bring real change to the people of Nkomazi and build One South Africa for All.