The Democratic Alliance challenges the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, to conduct an oversight visit to the water-less community in Madibeng.

Yesterday in a press statement, her office claimed that “all is well” in Madibeng.

The DA, following its oversight visit last week, begs to differ. What we saw and the accounts of residents that we met with in Letlhabile Block F revealed that water meters were last read in 2013. Despite having no water for more than 3 years residents are billed monthly for 25 000 litres of water.

Cables were stolen at the Brits raw water pump station over the weekend and the Purification Plant is running at 50% capacity. The DA will be testing the water to establish the current quality level, following claims from residents that they are afraid to consume water from the Brits Water Purification Plant, as sludge from the reservoirs is released into the water reticulation system to residents.

Despite Madibeng’s Water and Sanitation Department being placed under section 139(1)(b) administration, nothing has been resolved.

The situation in Madibeng and many other water-constrained municipalities is untenable.

The Minister must now take immediate action and address the water problems that all residents of Madibeng are facing. Minister Mokonyane would do well to visit the residents of Madibeng and see for herself what the situation is on the ground.

Each and every South African has the right to access clean drinking water. The people of Madibeng have for far too long suffered due to the ineptitude of the political management in the Municipality.

Central to empowering South Africans is ensuring that they are free from the deprivations that rob them of their ability to use their opportunities and lead dignified lives. It is the role of the government to ensure the best quality basic services are being delivered and the rule of law upheld.

Issued by the DA