Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Selmé Pretorius.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality submitted a list of nearly 130 leaks to the Human Rights Commission on the dire sewage crisis affecting the community. We urge the HRC to investigate the crisis on behalf of close to a million residents in Mangaung.
The DA receives complaints about sewer and toilet overflows daily. Reporting the crisis to the municipality has yielded no results because the municipality refuses to assist residents. The crisis has become a major public health concern. The municipality is responsible for maintaining the sewer lines, but it has been doing so for years with no results.
Mangaung residents can no longer put up with this issue. Examples of leaks that were reported in 2022 have yet to be addressed. Currently, the municipality claims that there are no funds available to repair or replace critical infrastructure.
Nonetheless, National Treasury approved R70 million from the service delivery grant for the refurbishment/maintenance of sewerage and wastewater infrastructure in Mangaung. The Municipality budgeted for this service, but it is clear that it will be unable to maintain or manage it by relevant legislation and by-laws.
The DA urges the HRC to use its authority to direct the municipality to prioritise sewage overflows in the area to avoid a health crisis. Many sewerage leaks are near hospitals, schools, nursing homes, restaurants, and other public buildings.
The DA is committed to bringing change across the country and therefore urges all residents to register to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Government elections.