The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the water crisis in Hertzogville due to ANC mismanagement. In 2014, a substantial R163 million project was launched to provide a reliable water supply to the municipality, ending the reliance on boreholes. However, less than a decade later, the community of over 13,000 residents is queuing for water on the streets, relying on water trucks and boreholes. Please see pictures here, here,here and here.

The main issue lies at the abstraction point in Christiana, where the pumps burnt out due to being overworked. The municipality lacks the financial means to replace these small pumps with readily available electrical motors. Last year, the DA cautioned against adopting an unfunded budget that allocated a mere 3% to maintenance, neglecting the national norm of an 8% annual investment in infrastructure. Unfortunately, the ANC majority in the council pushed through this ill-informed decision, leaving the community to bear the consequences.

The ANC-led government in Tokologo has repeatedly failed to provide basic services and neglected infrastructure maintenance. The provincial intervention has proven ineffective, highlighting the urgent need for national government intervention under Section 139(7) of the Constitution. The DA believes that only through this intervention can the community of Tokologo receive the services and governance they deserve.

The DA calls on residents and voters to reject the ANC's mismanagement, incompetence, and corruption in the upcoming elections. It is time for competent and accountable governance that prioritizes the well-being of the community.

 

Issued by Hismajesty Maqhubu - DA Councillor Tokologo Local Municipality