EFF-Led Coalition Continues to fail to provide basic services

by Ald Tania Campbell — DA Leader in the City of Ekurhuleni

Date: 21 September 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Ekurhuleni has demands that the failing EFF-led coalition institute a concise plan as the community of Tsakane continues to struggle with water supply. The so-called ‘People’s Coalition’ must find a permanent and lasting solution to these problems.

The community has been struggling with water outages for months and the lack of political will to rectify this issue shows the utter contempt of the current government for the needs of the people.

Community members have approached the DA revealing that inadequate water tankers have been dispatched to the area, further frustrating the community.

While the CoE has stated that the water supply challenges are due to Rand Water, we cannot allow residents to suffer. As a fundamental basic human right contained in our Constitution, the DA believes that the residents of Tsakane, Geluksdal, Kwa Thema and surrounding areas, should not be left without access to clean running water. With load shedding becoming a permanent feature in our country, it is unacceptable that the City has not invested in backup generators at all water pump stations. Residents are already suffering the consequences of load-shedding and ongoing power outages. It is therefore unacceptable for residents to be burdened with water outages as well.

With the City owing Rand Water an amount of R174,081,284.86, it should come as no surprise that the state-owned entity is unable to keep up with the maintenance of critical water infrastructure.

The DA is appalled that the EFF-appointed MMC for Water, Energy and Sanitation, Cllr Manamela has chosen to not directly engage the community, and the DA believe he must meet with residents and provide concrete solutions to the ongoing water outages facing these communities. In addition, the DA called on the puppet Executive Mayor to urgently address the community and find a way forward, as we cannot continue to allow municipal assets to be vandalised and destroyed as frustrated residents demand services.

Under a DA-led administration, we began to investigate alternative backup power solutions to ensure that water reservoirs and pump stations remain unaffected by the impact of load-shedding. The failing EFF and ANC should take this DA blueprint to ensure uninterrupted services during load-shedding.

Furthermore, as the DA, we believe the Executive Mayor should recall the MMC for Water, Energy and Sanitation for his failure to deliver on his delegated mandate.

Ald Tania Campbell

DA Leader in Ekurhuleni

083 360 1957