Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Freddy Sonakile
The DA has today written to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), requesting an investigation into the failure by the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality to deliver water to residents in the Ratlou Local Municipality.
This follows an oversight inspection to the Setlagole RDP settlements yesterday, where residents informed us that their communal taps have been dry years. (See pictures here and here)
Access to clean potable water should be the norm, however some residents are forced to travel at least a kilometre to get water, ironically at a tap situated just opposite the Ratlou municipal building gates. Residents, mostly use wheelbarrows to cart water to their homes. (See pictures here)
The municipal water trucks only deliver water to this community during funerals. This, despite a newly built, but unused, 5.5 megalitre reservoir completed in 2015 just a short walk from the settlements. (See pictures here)
The communal taps, installed in 2009/10 when the settlements were under construction have not delivered a drop of water for years.
It is deplorable that the Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality’s motto, ‘Water is our Priority’, has not been realised for Ratlou Residents. Typical of ANC governments, this is just another empty promise.
High-ranking ANC politicians drive into the municipality daily and bear witness to residents queuing for water but does nothing to deliver water. They should hang their heads in shame. They have no conscience and are untouched by this crisis occurring in full view, even though it compromises the well being of the residents.
The indifference shown by the ANC government towards residents is a gross human rights violation. A DA government will ensure that all households are connected to water network and end water-shedding.