Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Paul Kotzé. See attached pictures here, here, here, and here.
The DA condemns the catastrophic collapse of sewage treatment plants in Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo, a direct result of decades of ANC mismanagement, corruption, and neglect.
For years, residents have endured raw effluent flooding their homes, schools, and clinics. Rivers are contaminated, grazing land is poisoned, and communities are exposed to deadly diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.
The ANC government has failed to maintain basic infrastructure, allocate budgets responsibly, and protect Mangaung residents’ dignity.
This collapse is not an accident; it is the inevitable outcome of ANC negligence, budget mismanagement, and lack of accountability.
The DA calls for urgent intervention after several unanswered Rule 38 questions and proposes the following solutions and Emergency Repairs;
- Immediate fixing of pumps, filtration systems, and manholes to stop raw effluent flooding communities.
- Deployment of Mobile Treatment Units and temporary relief to reduce health risks while permanent repairs are underway.
- Establishment of a transparent monitoring body to ensure funds are used for infrastructure, not corruption.
- Recruitment of qualified engineers and technicians to manage and maintain sewage plants sustainably.
- Introduction of strict maintenance frameworks and consequence management for negligent officials.
The DA will continue to stand with the people of Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo. We will continue to fight for clean, safe communities where residents can live with dignity. The ANC has failed, but DA governance will restore accountability, transparency, and service delivery.