Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Riette Dell and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
According to the expenditure report, the Setsoto Local Municipality has lost 49% of its water in the last year , totalling R13 515 000. This was reiterated during the Setsoto Local Council Meeting of 29 April 2024, when the MPAC committee presented an oversight report of all water and waste treatment plants across Ficksburg, Clocolan, Senekal, and Marquard, which face significant operational and manageable problems. Issues include delayed chemical deliveries, security risks, inadequate staffing, equipment malfunctions, and poor maintenance.
The reported issues plaguing the water and wastewater treatment plants reflect a systemic problem that has developed over time due to mismanagement and neglect by the ANC. The years of neglect and mismanagement resulted in many problems, including delayed maintenance schedules, infrastructure degradation, and staffing shortages. Political interference, corruption, and lack of accountability may have further exacerbated these issues, leading to inefficient operations and compromised service delivery.
The expenditure report for July 2023 to March 2024 shows water losses of 49% totalling R13 515 000 in value. The prescribed norm from the National Department of Treasury is between 15% and 30%.
Consequently, measures such as hiring and delivery of water via water tankers, were undertaken to mitigate the impact of these losses. In the Supply Chain Management report for January to March 2024 deviations cited emergency expenditure of hiring water trucks to the amount of R551 529,00.
The failure to address these issues promptly can have far-reaching consequences, affecting public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Communities reliant on these essential services bear the brunt of the consequences, facing water shortages, poor water quality, and environmental degradation.
The DA will follow up on the implementation of the MPAC report to ensure compliance with national legislation for our blue and green drop status. We are committed to bringing change across the country and therefore urge all residents to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Government elections on 29 May.