by Andrew Louw, MPL – DA Provincial Leader in the Northern Cape
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Date: 10 May 2018
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape has requested a joint investigation from the South African Human Rights Commission and the Green Scorpions into the persistent failure by the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality to provide adequate sanitation services to the residents of Roodepan in Kimberley.
It is unacceptable that overflows of raw sewage, ostensibly caused by blocked drains, have become such a common occurrence. These pools of raw sewage, left in streets for weeks while residents’ pleas fall on deaf ears, pose a severe risk to the health and safety of the community.
Recently, a five year old boy slipped and broke his leg while trying to jump across one such pool of sewage. He is understandably afraid that he will slip and fall again if he uses his crutches, which means that his mobility is severely limited and he cannot attend his grade R classes. This young child’s future is compromised because the municipality cannot be bothered to ensure that all residents enjoy an environment which is not harmful to their health and wellbeing.
It can never be that, on instruction of ANC politicians, services in other areas are being compromised for political point scoring. The DA has it on good authority that the mayor abuses his power by instructing officials not to work in DA wards to satisfy his narrow vision. People are paying rates and taxes and deserve to receive services without favouritism.
The municipality has the duty and responsibility to deliver to all residents. The Northern Cape needs Total Change under a DA-led government that ensures that services are delivered, corruption is eliminated and jobs are created.
Media Enquiries
Andrew Louw, MPL
DA Provincial Leader in the Northern Cape
082 383 6914
Tharina Whittaker
Researcher
071 251 5558