The DA in the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality is disappointed in the municipality’s blatant disregard for the health and safety of residents.
This comes after they voted against the DA’s motion in a recent Council meeting. This motion was critical in addressing the shocking and ongoing crisis of raw sewage flowing into open fields, nearby streams, and dams that ultimately feed into the Vaal Dam, a key water source for the region.
Our motion called for immediate action steps to mitigate serious environmental and public health hazards, by seeking mandatory testing of local dams and streams for the presence of Ecoli and other dangerous pollutants.
The Department of Water and Sanitation water services compliance dashboard has already highlighted that the municipality’s drinking water quality needs attention, and that intervention is required when it comes to the municipality’s waste water treatment.
The truth of the matter is that the municipality is in serious breach of the drinking water quality standards in Amersfoort, Volksrust, Vukuzakhe and Wakkerstroom. The Blue Drop score for these towns indicate serious and persistent breaches.
We further proposed that an ad-hoc committee be established to investigate tender irregularities and maladministration relating to the Water Services Infrastructure Grant. This committee must report on these factors within two months’ time to the council after it is established.
However, the ANC-led Council chose to ignore this motion on the basis that this is the state of sewer infrastructure, not only in Amersfoort which was the geographical focus of the motion, but in other towns too.
This goes to show that the ANC administration in Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme still does not care about the welfare of residents. They are more concerned with shielding their alleged maladministration, instead of protecting the community from the severe hazards of water contamination.
The DA remains committed to pursuing this issue and will not rest until proper oversight and corrective actions are in place.
Therefore, we will submit questions addressed to the Municipal Manager, seeking detailed information about the appointment of contractors that are intended to address sewer challenges in the municipal area. This includes the management of the Water Services Infrastructure Grant that is funding the upgrading of the Waste Water Treatment Works in Amersfoort.