ActionSA ‘denied’ access to water treatment works
On arrival at the Bhobhoyi Water Treatment Works, added Mncwango, security guards and municipal officials allegedly blocked their entrance with a vehicle, preventing them from further examination.
What is Ugu District Municipality attempting to conceal from the public eye? What is the true condition of the infrastructure within the municipality’s water treatment plants?
These were questions raised by ActionSA Premier candidate in KZN Zwakele Mncwango after he was denied access to the Bhobhoyi Water Treatment Works and other plants.
Mncwango has been on a water tour of the district. He planned inspections in Park Rynie, Ifafa Beach, Umzimkhulu River, Bhobhoyi, Mtamvuna and closed off with a public engagement session at the Port Edward Methodist Church.
He said the party is deeply concerned and questioned the motives behind being denied entry.
“Our inspection of water infrastructure was intended to provide insights into the persistent water shortages experienced by the community. Unfortunately, our efforts were met with obstruction as municipal officials blocked our access to crucial sites, including sewer pump stations and water treatment plants. Throughout the tour, we were closely followed by municipal officials and members of the Saps as we moved from one inspection site to the other,” he said.
On arrival at the Bhobhoyi Water Treatment Works, added Mncwango, security guards and municipal officials allegedly blocked the party’s entrance with a vehicle, preventing them from further examination.
He said the vehicle was positioned in an area where a gate should have been installed, but none existed.
Mncwango said this highlighted the infrastructure challenges, saying that the absence of a gate at the plant posed a security risk for infrastructure.
“It is disappointing that the municipality blocked our oversight efforts. We are not the villains. We aim to assist Ugu residents and address these challenges as they are forced to live under such harsh conditions with little to no access to clean water. The municipality should work hand-in-hand with us to assist residents instead of blocking us. We remain resolute in our commitment to uncovering the truth behind the water crisis in Ugu and holding accountable those responsible for its resolution, no matter the number of municipal officials they send to block us from uncovering the truth,” he said.
Meanwhile, the DA has also previously been denied access to some of the key water infrastructure during their inspections.
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