SDM’s R800 000 irregular water payment under scrutiny

MOKGAPANENG

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Sekhukhune, stated that they are going to seek clarity from Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) on an alleged irregular R800 000 monthly payment directed to Lepelle Northern Water without providing any service to the district municipality.

According to Gift Machaba, EFF Public Representative in Sekhukhune District, the party has recently learned that SDM is contracted with Lepelle Northern Water to pay a staggering R800 000 for the provision of bulk water supply at a reservoir along the R579 Road in Mokgapaneng Village, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM).

“We have learned that the reservoir has not received water in the past four months but Lepelle Northern Water receives money on a monthly basis from Sekhukhune District Municipality,” explained Machaba.

The reservoir is meant to supply drinkable water to draught stricken communities of Phokwane, Mokgapaneng, Mohlarekoma and Brooklyn Villages. The affected residents said they are having a serious struggle of getting clean water and are now subjected to get drinking water from nearest streams and wells.

Machaba said the party will approach SDM MMC for Infrastructure and Water to seek clarity on the almost R3.2 million irregular expenditure paid to Lepelle Northern Water. 

“This is a waste of good money for bad intentions. This is not the first time the municipality is paying the staggering amount without getting any service from Lepelle Northern Water. We are aware that the scheme only fill the reservoir every after four months while busy receiving R800 000 monthly from Sekhukhune District Municipality.  We are concerned because a lot of money is being spent but our people don’t get services,” he said.

SDM Spokesperson, Lemson Moropjane, could not respond to the publication’s enquiries.