OPINION: DA lodges complaint for denying community access to borehole water
The DA contends that taxpayers’ funds were used to sink these boreholes and the denial of access during the water crisis is a violation of residents’ human rights. Section 27(1) of the South African Constitution is clear that access to water is a basic human right.
The DA has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela and her Department of Arts and Culture.
The residents of the Ugu District, especially areas of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, have endured a severe water crisis for the past six years. Thousands of residents go without water for weeks and months at a time.
The Department of Arts and Culture, recognising the crisis, has spent millions of rands in sinking boreholes at their libraries across Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
These boreholes are at libraries in some of the most severely affected areas, such as Margate, Hibberdene, Port Edward, Izingolweni and Gamalakhe.
When local DA councillors approached these libraries on behalf of the surrounding communities to have access to this vital resource, they were told by officials that the water was not for the community.
My colleague, Hon Bradley Singh, raised this issue with MEC Mavimbela, but she ignored all appeals to have access to this water.
The DA contends that taxpayers’ funds were used to sink these boreholes and the denial of access during the water crisis is a violation of residents’ human rights. Section 27(1) of the South African Constitution is clear that access to water is a basic human right.
MEC Mavimbela has to answer to the Human Rights Commission for this denial of access to vital borehole water to suffering residents.
DR RISHIGEN VIRANNA MPL
Ugu Constituency Head
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