Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Maritha Coetzee
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Matlosana is deeply concerned about the ongoing sanitation crisis in Hartbeesfontein, where residents have once again been left without access to a functioning honey sucker service.
The DA calls on the City of Matlosana to:
- Urgently restore the honey sucker service to all affected areas;
- Provide a full report to Council on the status of sanitation contracts and funding; and
- Implement an emergency plan to prevent further sewage overflows.
The municipality’s failure to provide this essential service has resulted in raw sewage overflowing into homes and streets, creating a serious public health hazard and violating the basic rights and dignity of residents.
Despite numerous complaints and urgent calls for intervention, the local municipality has failed to take meaningful action. There is currently no contractor in place to deliver the service, nor any indication that the municipality intends to procure its own honey sucker vehicle to address the crisis.
This continued inaction raises serious concerns:
- Has the municipality run out of operational funds?
- Why is there no emergency plan to restore sanitation services?
- What steps are being taken to protect residents from escalating health risks?
The DA condemns this blatant disregard for the wellbeing of Hartbeesfontein residents. The situation reflects a municipality that has completely lost control of its basic service delivery obligations.
Communities deserve dignity and proper sanitation — not neglect and empty promises. The DA will continue to fight for clean, safe, and functioning services for all Hartbeesfontein residents.