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The Democratic Alliance is shocked by the living conditions of the residents of Sonderwater in Ikageng, Tlokwe.

As part of experiencing the real plight of the residents, DA North West Provincial Leader, Joe McGluwa MPL, moved into the house of Botsang Moketsane and Ntsuba Mokwena where he spent three days and nights with them.

The area is aptly named ‘Sonderwater’ because of the severe lack of clean running water. Taps often run dry for days and residents still use pit-toilets. At night, they are forced to use bucket toilets, as it is too dangerous to go outside. The area is infested with rats and people complain that they get bitten, exposing them to harmful diseases.  

It is unacceptable that 22 years into our democracy people are still suffering like this.

The ANC seem unaware of the many challenges and hazardous conditions that the people of Ikageng face on a daily basis.

The municipality announced plans to allocate RDP houses and stands but the process has been challenged by residents who claim that the list is full of ANC cadres and family members. People who have waited years for houses do not appear on the housing list. They are unfairly shoved to the back of the waiting list, or removed altogether to make room for a few connected ANC members.

The EPWP has been turned into an ANC recruitment agency, if you are not a member or do not wear an ANC t-shirt, you are automatically excluded from the programme.

Change will come to Ikageng when the people fire the corrupt ANC and hire the DA. Where we govern, our RDP housing lists are open and the allocation of houses is a transparent process. Politicians have no opportunity to interfere with the list.  Where we govern, the EPWP is open for all and we deliver the best quality services to the poor.

On 3 August, Tlokwe can vote for a transparent and accountable government by voting for the change that people so desperately need.

Issued by DA North West