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Today the Democratic Alliance will write to the Premier, Stanly Matahabatha, to place Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) under administration for their sustained failure to provide water, not only to the residents of Musina, but to the district as a whole.

Years of neglect and lack of maintaining water infrastructure, the absence of a master plan, passing responsibilities to local municipalities and corruption and maladministration at the VDM created a war zone in Musina since last week.

During the violent water protests, public infrastructure and private property were destroyed, looting took place and residents were injured. (See photos here, here and here)

The SAPS has stabilised the area, but the situation remains tense as taps are still dry.

According to a COGTA profile and analysis report in 2020, 55% of residents in Musina Local Municipality do not have access to water.

VDM lost R316 385 542 including interest due to the collapse of VBS Mutual Bank, which meant it couldn’t pay for repairs and maintenance of water pipes and boreholes, which resulted in water interruptions.

Despite their financial woes, the municipal public accounts committee (MPAC) erroneously recommended to council that irregular as well as fruitless and wasteful expenditure relating to prior years be condoned without being investigated.

This questionable decision is contrary to sections 32(2)(a) & (b) of the MFMA as flagged by the Auditor-General in the 2020/2021 audit report.

Of great concern is that the ANC provincial executive has never intervened despite years of maladministration and calls from the DA, labour unions and other stakeholders.

Premier Mathabatha, the MEC for COGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu, and both mayors for VDM and Musina have yet to visit Musina to see for themselves what their passivity and reluctance to intervene created.

The DA notes the pending visit of Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, to Musina and his hazy offer to “assist”, but questions the sincerity of his offer.

Limpopo is strewn with incomplete water projects in most districts, including the infamous billion Rand Giyani water pipeline project.

The DA expects Premier Mathabatha to place VDM under administration in terms of Section 139 (1) (b) of the Constitution and to assume responsibility to provide water to desperate residents of the Vhembe district.

Issued by DA Provincial Spokesperson on The Office of the Premier Risham Maharaj