DA calls for intervention on throttling of water in GMM
He said that the throttling of water is affecting residents who are at a higher altitudes the most and that these residents are totally without water all due to GMM owing Rand Water money and their failure to pay their debt due to Rand Water.
HIGHVELD – The DA urgently requested for intervention and investigations into constant throttling of water in Govan Mbeki Municipality.
It is now nearly two weeks that the residents of this municipality are without water on a daily basis.
“The right to water forms the cornerstone of our democracy and no human should be left without water as it is vital for life,” said Mr James Masango, DA federal council deputy chairman.
He said that the throttling of water is affecting residents who are at a higher altitudes the most and that these residents are totally without water all due to GMM failing to pay their debt to Rand Water.
“Our councilors are burden by continuous calls from community members seeking clarity on the water crisis which they are facing.
“Water is one of the basic rights enshrine in the constitution and section 27(b) gives residents a right to have sufficient water. It is interesting to note that this very same section places an obligation on government to provide the realisation of this right,” said Mr Masango.
The municipality began providing water tankers at areas in Bethal on 23 November, however there has been reports from residents that the tankers drive past residential areas too fast, making it impossible to access. The source of the water supplied, is also being questioned.
“If the municipality can afford to pay for tankers, then they can pay Rand Water,” said Mr Masango.
He had also raised concerns as to where the water tankers receive their water from and it is questioned if the water comes from Rand Water reservoirs or dams?
“If it is from the Rand Water, then what is the reason for throttling?
Mr Masango said it is also firmly believed that when tankers are involved, there is a possibility of corruption.
Allegations are being made that sometimes members of the community are made to pay for this water.
Mr Masango has therefore requested intervention on the following:
• To stop Rand Water from throttling water as a matter of urgency.
• Investigate Govan Mbeki Municipality’s failure to provide water as prescribed by the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.
• Investigate the Gert Sibande District Municipality’s failure to provide residents with water as prescribed by the Bill of Rights in the Constitution as they are the bulk supplier of water.
“The throttling taking place in GMM is not only unconstitutional but also not in line with the provision of six kilolitres as per the indigent policy.
“It is also in contravention of the regulations for the lockdown in respect of the Corvid-19,” ended Mr Masango.
