After weeks of sustained pressure in the form of letters, statements, and engagements with the South African Human Rights Commission, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is pleased to announce that Govan Mbeki allocated R30 million to implement crucial projects to address the ongoing water issues in our area.
After years of continuous advocacy that called for the refurbishment of the reservoirs in Ext 22, the upgrading of pump stations, cleaning of various reservoirs, and the drilling of municipal boreholes- this funding marks a significant step forward. With these projects now being prioritized, hope is brought to our community which has long suffered from inadequate access to water.
However, amid concerns that these projects might face delays or become redundant, the DA urges the municipality to publicly disclose the plans and timelines for all these initiatives within the next two weeks. Transparency is essential to ensure accountability and to keep the community informed about progress.
As the Rand Water crisis continues to hinder water access in our region, we have also requested bi-daily updates on the status of water pumping from Rand Water. This consistent communication is vital to keeping residents informed and reassured during this challenging time.
While the allocation of these funds and the prioritisation of these projects represents a small, but necessary victory for Govan Mbeki, the DA believes that more proactive measures should have been taken. If we were in a decision-making position, we would not have allowed this situation to persist for so long. The path to the 2026 elections is crucial, it is our responsibility to ensure that these issues are addressed effectively and efficiently for the benefit of our community.
The DA remains committed to advocating for the rights of residents and will continue to push for the improvements needed to secure reliable access to water for all.