The residents of Mahikeng and Lichtenburg, among others, are facing water shortages and even further decay of infrastructure after Sedibeng Water issued a notice stating that its operational and maintenance services across a large part of North West will be suspended as from 1 June 2021 due to municipalities' outstanding debt and non-payment.
On the 25th of May, Sedibeng issued a written instruction to all its employees to suspend all operations and services on 1 June to municipalities that fall under the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
The capital of North West, Mahikeng, as well as Lehurutse and Ratlou is serviced by this District Municipality.
Instruction was also given to cut the water supply to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality, which services Lichtenburg and Coligny, on 1 July. Sedibeng Water states that the municipalities simply refuse to pay for the services and water supply provided by Sedibeng Water.
The affected areas comprise nearly half of the entire North West province.
The communities in question are already bearing the brunt of mismanagement and corruption in these ANC-controlled municipalities. Frequent interruptions in water and power supply, caused by municipalities in North West's non-payment, are at the order of the day.
Businesses are suffering great losses and interruptions in the water supply pose a health risk to residents and undermine the national fight against Covid-19. An emphasis on hygiene is the most powerful and effective weapon in the fight against the pandemic.
During a recent oversight visit by the parliamentary Committee on COGTA to the North West, it became evident that North West is literally one of the most dilapidated provinces in the country.
This incident is just another classic example of what happens with the ANC in power – the actions of government pose a serious threat to the people.
It is ironic that in the past, the majority of these rural area inhabitants were first in line at the polls to show their support for the ANC, but now they are the ones suffering the consequences of ANC mismanagement.
The FF Plus has already brought the issue to the attention of the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on COGTA.
Furthermore, the FF Plus approached the deputy Minister of COGTA, Obed Bapela, and requested interventions at these mismanaged municipalities.
In the upcoming local government elections, voters must stand up, stand together and stand strong and use their votes to see to it that the ANC is removed from local government.
Communities should no longer have to endure the negative effects of the ANC's mismanagement.
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