The Democratic Alliance (DA) has hailed the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for responding to the complaint issued to investigate the water crisis in Ephraim Mogale, SurgeZirc reports.
In a statement made available to SurgeZirc on Tuesday, the Democratic Alliance (DA) says a complaint was tabled before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) after an oversight visit to Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality during June 2021.
During the visit, it was gathered that people were found in ditches, desperately digging for water. The water was said to be murky, possibly contaminated, and surrounded by animal faeces and other rubbish.
“For years, the ANC-run municipality has been unable to provide water for the residents in the majority of its wards. Residents in the area advise that they have not seen a water truck making deliveries of water for months, and when the truck does come, it only services a select few and often requests payment of R3 per drum from the poorest of the poor,” the statement reads.
The DA said after issuing a complaint to the SAHRC, it was discovered that a similar complaint had been received by the commission in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo.
READ MORE: SAPS Spent R9,000 In Transporting Zuma To Estcourt Prison
The Sekhukhune District Municipality, along with the Ephraim Mogale Municipality and Elias Motsoaledi Municipality has a track record of being among the worst managed municipalities in Limpopo and were among those who squandered millions in the VBS Bank scandal.
The DA while making reference to the frequent cases of mismanagement and corruption in the municipalities said it has resulted in the residents of the area being denied the most basic of their rights – particularly the right to clean water.
According to the statement, the DA reiterated that it understands the importance of having access to basic social amenities and hopes the universal right to access to clean water will be upheld.
READ MORE: Eastern Cape Lawyer Arrested For Theft Of Road Accident Funds Monies
“The Western Cape and DA governed municipalities understand that water is essential to life, health, and economic development. It is the building block to human life and of every municipality.
“The DA looks forward to the SAHRC report. We are convinced that the universal right to access to clean water will be upheld and that these municipalities will be held accountable.
“A DA governed municipality will ensure that the community has access to reliable, clean, running water, that is safe to drink and to prepare food – as it is proven of where the DA governs, we get things done,” the statement reads.
