Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Thabo Nthapo, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Johann Steenkamp, and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Letsemeng will escalate urgent oversight by formally following up with the Municipal Manager (MM), Sindiswa Maneli and engaging the Acting Technical Director, Mpho Tswene to secure immediate answers and corrective action on the ongoing water contamination affecting residents.
This intervention aims to restore a safe water supply, as continued contamination places communities at risk of serious health complications and undermines their constitutional right to clean water.
The DA in Letsemeng has written to the MM to seek clarity on the contaminated water that residents are concerned about. We are yet to receive a reply from the municipal manager. The poor handling of such important issues is a clear indication of how the municipality cannot prioritise the well-being of its residents.
We see the matter as a serious dereliction of duty by the MM for failing to respond.
The municipality’s inability to provide adequate answers about what actually caused the water contamination and its failure to assure residents of the right to consume water constitute a serious violation of human rights.
The matter poses a health risk and should not be treated as such; human lives depend on the provision of clean, lawful access to water.
We will also pressure the acting technical director to ensure that water treatment is handled effectively, without compromising water provision to residents.