The FF Plus has asked the municipal manager of the Mbombela Local Municipality (Mbombela/Nelspruit, Barberton, Hazyview, Kaapschehoop, Skukuza, White River), Mr Wiseman Khumalo, for an urgent intervention in White River's water crisis.
Inadequate to no water supply to residents of the town and surrounding areas over the past six weeks has been a great cause for concern for the FF Plus.
Although load shedding is a contributing factor to the water crisis, the management of water sources and supply is also not up to standard.
The Municipality's own lack of planning and control over water sources plays a significant role in the water crisis.
At present, no water is pumped from the Boschrand and Phumlani pump stations to White River's reservoirs during load shedding.
And there are no contingency plans in place. Promises of generators at these stations seem to be no more than lip service. The notion of pipelines that will function independently of load shedding has also come to nothing.
The FF Plus, furthermore, demands an investigation into the qualifications and work experience of Mr Sipho Sibeko, general manager of the municipal technical department to determine whether he is qualified for the position.
Access to clean water is a constitutional right and it is the Municipality's duty to provide communities with adequate water supply.
The FF Plus will continue to put pressure on the Municipality to effectively manage its scarce water sources for the benefit of all residents.
If Mr Khumalo does not respond, the FF Plus will lodge a complaint with the Human Rights Commission (HRC).
;
