The Standerton Water Treatment Plant is on the brink of collapse. This viewpoint was expressed by Sithi Silosini, DA-councillor, in a statement dated September 27.
According to the DA, the plant services more than 100 000 households in Standerton.
The party will table a motion calling on the Municipal Manager, Malose Lamola, to institute repair, procure a generator and ensure its employees work in a conducive environment.
“It has become evident that the municipality is failing to deal with the water crisis, which can also be attributed to the water plant that is falling apart,” the statement read.
“Over the past few months, the municipality has been unable to dispatch water trucks to disgruntled communities.”
After an oversight visit, the DA found broken windows, broken doors and non-functional lights.
There is no generator backup during load-shedding and the plant is non-functional, as the water pumps and other electrical appliances rely on electricity.
“With the country being subject to continuous load-shedding, it is important that the municipality prioritises the procurement of a generator.
“Workers at the plant have also expressed their unhappiness with working conditions, stating that their safety is compromised and that they work in fear throughout the evening.
“They resort to using a torch in the evening as an alternative.”
Silosini also said it is unacceptable that the municipality is failing to provide employees with lighting during load-shedding.
“Yet, these employees are expected to carry out their duties.
“Their right to a safe workplace has been trampled on, while ratepayers have also been caught in the crossfire.
“This is an indication that the municipality does not abide to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 75 of 1997 which gives effect to the right to fair labour practices.”
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The DA called on the municipality to ensure the safety and working conditions of these employees are prioritised.
According to them, the coalition government in Lekwa has exposed residents to poor living conditions for far too long.
The water plant has proven ineffective over the years and the municipality has shown reluctance in dealing with this.
The statement concluded with saying the DA will submit a motion in the next council sitting to make sure the Municipal Manager urgently attends to this.
