Last October, the residents of Fochville, on the West Rand, took to the streets over water challenges, with the Merafong Municipality officials having been hauled over the coals by the SAHRC on Wednesday.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Merafong Local Municipality has faced intense scrutiny after revealing it has been spending more than R700,000 per month on water tankers to address ongoing water challenges plaguing residents.
This revelation was made during the second day of the public inquiry held by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Wednesday, where municipal representatives, Ntokozo Gubevu and Lehlohonolo Moreki, were grilled by Chairperson Dr Henk Boschoff.
The inquiry comes in the wake of numerous complaints about persistent water shortages, service delivery disruptions, and ageing infrastructure affecting communities in Gauteng. Areas such as Kokosi, in Merafong, have suffered particularly, leading frustrated residents to block roads and burn tyres in protest.
"There were service providers appointed to provide water to communities. The amount is about R700,000 per month. This happened last October when there were water restrictions, especially in Kokosi extension, 4, 5, and 6," explained Moreki, defending the municipality's decisions amidst mounting criticism.
In response to questions about the underlying infrastructure challenges, Gubevu acknowledged that the majority of their systems still rely on outdated technology and pipes.
"I would say 90% of the infrastructure was still using the old technology, like we still have the old pipes that need to be replaced with a pipe that is suitable for that particular condition," he stated.
Gubevu told the inquiry that the municipality is engaging in ongoing efforts to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), to tackle some of the persistent issues.
On Wednesday, during the second day of the SAHRC public hearings, various municipal officials were grilled over their failure to ensure uninterrupted water services to Gauteng residents.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Moreover, Moreki confirmed that the Khutsong Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has not been fully operational and poses a risk of contamination, is set to receive funding for revitalisation.
"We are doing something, and then we are engaging other stakeholders," he added.
However, Dr Boschoff indicated that he remains concerned by the testimony of the Merafong Municipality and some of the explanations it has given for the challenges.
"I am deeply concerned by Merafong. It seems to me that individuals are benefiting from the situation and the services that are being provided, while communities are suffering," he stated.
As the public inquiry unfolded, the spotlight moved from the challenges at the Midvaal Local Municipality, where Municipal Manager Phumudzo Mogodi was also called on to respond to his lack of preparedness to appear before the inquiry.
"You could have written me a letter to get more details. This is the first time I have received this response from a municipal manager in the country," Dr Boschoff quizzed, with Mogodi saying he was not familiar with how an inquiry works.
"I am not a politician, Commissioner. Our legal team meets, and subject experts meet with the MECs or the Public Protector, and I have never been called into a meeting with the MEC," he stated.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za