While residents of Bethal in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (Secunda, Bethal, Trichard, Evander, Kinross, Charl Cilliers, Leandra) have been plagued by a serious water crisis for months, a municipal water tanker contractor allegedly filled a resident’s private swimming pool.
All while there are stringent water restrictions in place and residents have to wait hours for a water tanker to meet their basic water needs.
This constitutes a serious violation of municipal water restrictions and points to maladministration.
A formal complaint was lodged with the Municipal Manager, Mr Elliot Maseko, demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident. The investigation is already underway.
It is unacceptable that the Municipality constantly calls on residents to save water, while its own contactors apparently have no regard for the rules. Should the investigation confirm the alleged violation, disciplinary steps must be instituted at once and the contractor must be held fully liable for the cost of the water.
Double standards should not be tolerated.
No person or contractor is above the law or the regulations that apply to the entire community.
The party will closely monitor the process to ensure it is not just for show, but that scarce water resources are managed properly, honestly and consistently from now on.
