Water is life. And life without water is unconstitutional.

The DA in Steve Tshwete is pleased to note that the South African Human Rights Commission has agreed to investigate the persistent shortage of water at a number of farms in Ward 4.

This comes after the DA approached the commission to investigate the issue of water scarcity at Schoemans Farm, Belfontein Farm, and surrounding farming areas.

During an oversight visit to the areas, it was found that:

* Schoemans Farm received water sporadically, having received water on the day of the oversight visit, after a two-week dry spell.

* Belfontein Farm had no water at all and was forced to rely on a local farmer to fill a water tank.

* A municipal water tanker drove past Belfontein Farm without giving them water.

It is important to provide these farming communities with water to ensure food security.

The farms also contribute to the local economy.

At first, the municipality was approached to attend to water shortages. According to the DA’s Stefan Smith, “the ANC led administration ignored our letter as residents continue to struggle for water.”

The municipality’s incompetence is concerning, Smith says.

“Over the past couple of years, the ANC’s flagship, Steve Tshwete, has regressed to a completely dysfunctional municipality that is plagued by allegations of corruption and maladministration. It is along this backdrop that service delivery became non-existent,” Smith charges.