The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matjhabeng Local Municipality is concerned by water leaks and spillages across Welkom. As communities struggle across Matjhabeng with the lack of service delivery, it is important to highlight the inhumane circumstances that our children have to endure. Please see pictures here, here and here.
A school and its environment should be a safe zone for the pupils and the surrounding community. For example, the contrary is the status quo at St Andrews in Welkom.
The adjacent streets and open fields surrounding the school are plagued by water leaks and sewage spillages left unattended by the municipality. The lack of service delivery is creating a health and safety hazard for the community members as well as homes in the area.
In February, sewage engulfed the walkways next to the school, and its hockey fields, splitting into the grounds. The sports grounds have always been a safe space for students to gather and carry out their respective sports practices, sadly, this is no longer the case.
Furthermore, the walkway next to the school lead to St Helena Hospital, and various public sporting facilities placing the public in danger as they have to cross the street, unable to use the walkways designated for safety.
The municipality is fully aware of the sewage spill and ongoing freshwater leak which is adding to the ongoing water shortages around town. They have thus far ignored the plight of the community.
The DA in Matjhabeng will request an urgent intervention through the Provincial Department of Education to safeguard the pupils of Matjhabeng as it does not consider the safeguarding of our youth a priority. Furthermore, we will put daily pressure on Matjhabeng’s Department of Infrastructure to fix the crisis and urgently ensure the safety of the community.
Coreen Malherbe
DA Councillor Matjhabeng Local Municipality
082 773 2202