The aftermath of years of mismanagement, neglect, inadequate allocation, and spending of budgets has led to the infrastructure of the City of uMhlathuze failing and nearing a point of complete collapse.
During an inspection of Mhlathuze sewerage pump stations, the Democratic Alliance discovered the shocking state of these key infrastructure points. The DA has continuously raised the seriousness of the neglect with the leadership of the municipality. After exhausting all internal processes, it is evident that the municipality does not care to prioritise proper maintenance of the city’s water and sanitation networks.
Failing sewage systems pose severe health and environmental risks. The deteriorating situation in Mhlathuze has led to the Department of Environmental Affairs issuing the municipality with several compliance notices. Failure by senior management to comply with this directive has serious implications for the accounting officer. This includes a fine not exceeding R10 million or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, or both.
The DA’s investigation further uncovered the municipality’s failure to pay service providers within a reasonable period, and to this end, the municipality collectively owes local businesses hundred of thousands in arrear payments – some dating back as far as 2017. This has placed contractors in a position where they are forced to refuse to do business with the municipality and to retain critical equipment instead of arrear payments.
In a response to a written question submitted by the DA to the municipality, the Municipality confirmed that frequent inspections, corrective and preventative measures are in place and that based on assessments, immediate remedial interventions are initiated in order to prevent the deterioration of our infrastructure – evidently, this has not been done.
Prompted by a management failure of epic proportion, a lack of care, and gross dereliction of duty by senior managers, the DA believes that we are left with no choice but to approach the Human Rights Commission with a request to launch an investigation into the dire state of the city’s infrastructure. The constitutional rights of citizens to live in a healthy environment are being infringed upon.
By investing in our infrastructure now and by replacing the unskilled staff with a better, and fit-for-purpose workforce, we can ensure that these systems are sustainable, resilient, and safe for our communities and the environment.
The implosion of critical infrastructure will have a devastating impact on our local economy. Major sectors like manufacturing, health care, housing, food services, recreation, and more would be harmed without greater infrastructure investment. The DA has shown that where we govern we get things done. The top 5 best-run municipalities in the country are run by the DA. This is a clear sign that the DA delivers.