The DA in Ehlanzeni District Municipality will submit questions on water infrastructure projects that were undertaken in Ward 29 in Nkomazi Local Municipality.
Recently, we discovered that since the 2018/19 financial year, the municipality spent around R103 million on the following projects in Ward 29:
- Install reticulation (16km), 2 reservoirs and the construction of a water treatment works (5ML/day) in Mjejane
- Construction of reticulation at Mjejane
- Improve access to water and to purchase and install generators
However, although some of the above projects were completed and fully operational by 2023, Ward 29 residents are still without water because of issues with reticulation and power outages.
It is alleged that the treatment plant in Mjejane only provides 3 ML of water per day, the DA questions why the treatment plant is not able to provide the 5 ML of water per day that it intended to produce.
We have also learnt that 1 out of 3 service providers that were appointed failed to connect their share of houses to the supply grid, and as a result, around 33% of Mjejane have taps installed, but no water coming out from them.
In the community of Dendela residents receive water once in a two-week period, while Hectorspruit is also plagued by daily water outages. Residents are also subject to dirty water coming out of their taps and low water pressure.
It is clear that despite millions being spent on water infrastructure projects, there are still shortcomings. It must be noted that the DA is disappointed that the municipality is failing to take proactive measures in dealing with their water challenges.
The ANC administration needs to realise that infrastructure projects must be carried out with excellence, their incompetence is affecting residents.
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.