Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David van Vuuren MPL, and image here
The Witherow Quarry has been the scene of the tragic deaths of many young people in Heidedal. Every death is not only a tragedy for the families and the community, but also exposes systemic failures to ensure the safety of residents of Heidedal. The joint enquiry by four different parliamentary committees, which will provide a holistic view of the situation, is a welcome breakthrough for the local community.
Several key issues are being addressed, including environmental responsibility, water and sanitation, police, minerals and energy. The committee will need to look into the history of the multiple-owned property and failures by different government departments over several decades in order to determine accountability and just redress for affected families and the community.
The DA has been driving this issue for several years, which has included a march to the local police station, national and provincial questions, and numerous letters to various MECs. We welcome the further action by community activist Gregory Werner, which has prompted a parliamentary reaction through a petition.
DA Councillor, responsible for Heidedal, Attie Terblanche has consistently highlighted the lack of an alternative place for children to swim due to the dysfunctionality and poor maintenance of the public swimming pool in Heidedal.
The DA in the Free State will, through our national representation on these committees, monitor the interactions around the issue and encourage parliament to provide a permanent solution to this longstanding issue.