Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL with images here and here
The water crisis in Hertzogville, part of the Tokologo Local Municipality, is indicative of the ANC’s incompetent leadership in the Free State municipalities. The new water pump that was recently installed, almost burnt-out. First, the installers were blamed, and then the electricians. It was later discovered that the pump was drawing too hard, and that caused it to overheat. Due to years of neglect and no maintenance, the roughly 6m extraction pipe has decayed and collapsed in on itself. In addition, it is drawing in mud and grass.
Logic, one would first check if the water extraction line is clear, unblocked, and can function at capacity, then double-check that the electrical supply is connected correctly and is both sufficient and sustainable before switching on the pump. Unfortunately, this was not done, and thus, the pump almost seized.
The replacement of the extraction pipe will be on Monday, 9 September. At the same time, the electrical connection and components will be checked and replaced if needed. We truly hope this transpires.
To add insult to injury, the latest Blue Drop report has indicated that the water risk factor in the Tokologo municipality is 100% critical. This means that even if the residents start receiving water on Monday or Tuesday, they will still have to boil it as it is not fit for human consumption. This, however, could also easily be resolved if the chemicals needed were procured. The municipality claims it does not have the funds to procure the chemicals, which is estimated at roughly R45,000 per purification plant.
This crisis is not unique to Hertzogville; several towns and municipalities throughout the free State are facing similar plights. These issues are part and parcel of incompetent, unskilled, unqualified cadre deployed senior management, both in the administrative and political spheres. One such example is the roaming, interchanging, inefficient Municipal Managers, who, if fired from one municipality, find a home via cadre deployment in another.
Other problems in most of the Free State municipalities include but are not limited to:
- having an outdated organogram or none at all.
- staff compliments that are double or triple the AG recommendation.
- lack of skills and qualified staff
- No credible Indigent register
- No asset register
- No credible billing system
Unless these crucial issues are addressed as a matter of urgency, the municipalities will continue to deteriorate as they will not be able to table a funded budget without credible knowledge of revenue income, indigent cost, current assets, maintenance requirements, etc.
It is imperative that competent, incorruptible staff are found and employed, that can collect the revenue and implement the respective municipalities, Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP).
The DA has openly offered assistance to resolve these issues and will continue to monitor the state of municipalities. The DA remains committed to delivering quality services and improving the lives of Free State residents.