GOOD Press Statement by Sarah Mabotsa,
GOOD City of Tshwane Councillor
22 May 2023
The Hammanskraal water problem has been plaguing the community for over a decade, and those in charge need to face the consequences for the fatal negligence.
We should not have people dying because of unsafe drinking water in South Africa in 2023. Yet, 15 families have now lost loved ones so far.
However, given the instability of the City of Tshwane over the past years, and the failure of the broader South African government, it’s not surprising that until today these residents continue to drink unsafe water, because they have no other option.
This humanitarian crisis is a shameful stain on those leaders who had been tasked with leading the City, including the ANC as well as the DA-led coalition who have been in power for the last seven years and well aware of the problem in Hammanskraal.
Approximately R300 million has been spent on the Rooiwaal Water Treatment Plant Project and nothing has been completed to date. The problem has only worsened and has now led to this cholera outbreak.
Furthermore, the proposed budget allocation for 2023/24 will still be insufficient to complete the project.
Vulnerable communities are losing their lives and more are experiencing health complications as a result of this human rights violation. The South African Constitution stipulates that people have right to clean drinking water.
People cannot continue living like this.
The governing coalition has to provide an urgent, clear plan about the way forward to provide the community with safe water. However, there also needs to be serious consequences for the clear incompetence and failures of leaders which have now cost human lives.
Media Enquiries:
Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD City of Tshwane Councillor
Cell: 064 684 8640
Email: smabotsamuthivhi@gmail.com
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za