DA Limpopo to petition the SAHRC to act against EMLM for lack of water
SEKHUKHUNE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has written to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate the lack of access to water to the Leeuwfontein community as well as other communities in ward 9, 10, 11 and 12 within Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EMLM).
During an oversight visit to the municipality last week, the DA said it was both appalled and heartbroken at witnessing people trying to access water from holes in a ditch.
According to the DA political heads in the EMLM, Lindy Wilson, during oversight they saw water murky, possible contaminated and surrounded by animal faeces and other rubbish.
Lindy said for years, the ANC run municipality has been unable to provide water for the residents in the majority of its wards.
“Residents in the area advise that they have not seen a water truck making deliveries of water for months, and when the truck does come, it only services a select few and often request payment of R30 per drum from the poorest of the poor,” she said.
The DA said less than 2 metres from the ditch, is the brand-new multimillion-rand stadium under construction for the third time after previous contractors disappeared with the tender monies for the erection of the facilities.
“Residents are angry by the municipality’s lack of priorities; they need water not a stadium,” explained Lindy.
The DA said affected residents have had every last ounce of dignity taken from them.
“Digging holes to get water, while keeping the cows and goats at bay, once again highlights that the ANC cares nothing for the very people who voted for them,” said Lindy.
“We will further petition the Department of Water and Sanitation, as well as COGHSTA, for action in this area. There are many questions the municipality and national departments must answer,” she said.
The DA cannot stand idly by and watch people grovelling in ditches for water.
She added that 27 years into democracy, people are now recognising the false promises made to them and are more and more willing to vote for change.
“The time is now to vote DA,” she adds.
