Note to Broadcasters: Please find a linked soundbite in English by Cllr Nkateko Mabunda.
The Madibeng Executive Mayor, Cllr Douglas Maimane, tabled an unfunded and unrealistic adjustment budget that failed to address the persistent water challenges faced by residents.
Mayor Maimane indicated in his presentation on the adjustment budget a proposed collection rate above 50% for water and sanitation services rendered, however, this proposed income stands in conflict with the mere 15% collection rate as presented in the mid-term report. The Mayor was adamant that the real collection rate was above 50% and that the figures in the mid-term report were incorrect due to faulty water meters. This is exactly how the ANC government inflates revenue collection to pass unfunded budgets.
Residents in Madidi Village and Phasha Maloka have not seen a drop of water in their taps since the beginning of the year, while residents in Brits and Hartbeespoort often go without access to water for days on end due to dilapidated infrastructure. Residents throughout Madibeng have for years experienced regular water shortages.
The adjustment budget seeks to reallocate R14 million from the community services line item to fleet management with R8 million allocated towards paying the lease for the rental fleet. Community services include refuse removal, waste management, park maintenance, sports and development, moving funding away from these functions will negatively impact these services. However, the under-expenditure that accommodates the adjustment to fleet management proves that the municipality fails to deliver these services to residents.
Considering the serious water crisis facing residents, more funding should have been allocated towards improving water and sanitation services.
Only about 15% of Madibeng residents receive a constant supply of clean piped water, as per the statistics in Madibeng’s annual report. It was a shame when STATS SA indicated in its 2022 Census Report that 39% of residents have access to piped water inside their homes, 30% have access to piped water inside their yards, 10% of residents have communal tap access, while 18% of residents have no access to piped water. These statistics clearly indicate the water crisis residents have to endure and strengthen our argument that more funding should be allocated to improve water supply services.
The ANC-led Madibeng government has once again deliberately failed to prioritise the needs of residents.
The DA raised these concerns and will table a motion at the next Council meeting to bring adjustments to the budget that would improve service delivery, specifically in water and sanitation services.
The ANC is no longer interested in serving the residents of Madibeng.
On 29 May 2024, residents will have an opportunity to kick the uncaring ANC out of government and vote in a DA-led government that will rescue municipalities like Madibeng from failed governance. Only a DA-led government can ensure that water and sanitation infrastructure is maintained to deliver clean water and dignified sanitation services to all residents.
