Water crisis continue to haunt residents

MAKHUDUTHAMAGA – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has announced that it would submit further evidence to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on systematic violations of basic rights to have access to water in Sekhukhune.

The DA said last week that it would write to the SAHRC to submit evidence of systematic violations of the right to access water in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality.

Katlego Phala, DA political head in Makhuduthamaga, said they were appalled at the violations of basic human rights in 14 villages in the local municipality whilst campaigning for local government elections last week.

Phala said Mabintane, Madibakgaka, Mashishing and Newstand were among the villages that have been without running water for years now.

She said that the DA was doing leaflet distribution when community members alerted them that they have no running water.

“We inspected two wells used by residents and were shocked to find visible animal tracks at the water source. It is a disgrace that the dignity of these communities is infringed upon by the poor management of the ANC-led municipality. Residents from a nearby house confirmed that the community make use of the well of water for drinking and washing,” said Phala.

Phala added that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, delivered water tankers to Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality and stated that the tankers may never be empty as it would put lives at risk.

“Mabintane, Madibakgaka, Mashishing and Newstand villages have clearly been forgotten by ANC and it reflects government’s failure at its most basic level. Water is essential to life, health and economic development. It is the building block to human life and of every municipality,” concluded Phala