By Thys Khiba – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality said they are concerned about the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality’s “incompetence and inability” to ensure the supply of water to Tosca residents.
This comes after some Tosca residents spent at least six weeks without water supply.
The party confirmed that they have tried to advise the District Municipal Manager, ItumelengJonas, and the Mayor, Motseokae Maje, “that it brings into operation a strong, but abandoned, third borehole that has been used in the past; however, no steps have been taken to consider this as a solution to try and alleviate the water scarcity in Tosca.”
“Water supply to Tosca has been erratic, while some parts have not received a single drop of water for up to six weeks. The DA has been working around the clock to get the District Municipality to restore the water supply,” said DA Caucus Leader, Nicol Muller.
The State Owned Enterprise (SOE) Eskom’s power cuts significantly contribute to the lack of water supply.
The DA claims that the district municipality has excuses to try to justify the lack of water, which allegedly comes from a shortage of diesel to operate pump stations to unauthorised animal water holes.
The opposition party confirmed that they will write to the Human Rights Commission requesting an investigation into Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati’s failure to ensure water supply.
The party wants HRC to compel the district to immediately put to action measures that will alleviate the crisis while a permanent solution is found.
“More than 1000 residents in the Tosca informal settlement have to share a 2 000 litre tank with one tap for water, while no provision is made to supply water to subsistence farmers for their cattle and crops.
Businesses are struggling to deliver goods and services,” said Muller.
Amongst other businesses that are affected by lack of water supply, the Tosca Guesthouse suspended operations since they are unable to wash bedlinen, prepare meals, and guests are unable to bathe.
After trying to communicate with North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape and COGHSTA MEC Nono Maloyi regarding the water crisis, the DA told Free State Central News that they haven’t received any response.
“In addition, we wrote to the North West Premier, Bushe Maape, and the MEC of COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi, requesting an urgent intervention to restore water supply. Sadly, the pleas of the community continue to fall on deaf ears,” said Muller.
CENTRAL NEWS
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