The Democratic Alliance (DA) in uMzinyathi District has written to the Executive Mayor of Umvoti Local Municipality, Councillor Gabriel Malembe calling for urgent intervention over the water crisis in Esphisaneni, Ngome (view letter here).
During a recent oversight visit, it was revealed that this community has been without water for several months.
The DA has learnt that the municipality has removed the motors responsible for supplying water from the JoJo tanks, which are connected to the water reservoir or irrigation system, months ago. This has left residents without access to water, with no water tankers or alternative means of supply provided. To make matters worse, the community has been forced to fetch water from a nearby river that is both unclean and rapidly drying up, posing significant health risks to already vulnerable residents.
The DA demands the Executive Mayor to:
• Immediately repair or replace the motors to restore water supply from the JoJo tanks.
• Provide water tankers or other alternative water delivery systems as an interim solution.
• Develop and implement long-term plans to ensure reliable and sustainable water supply in Esphisaneni.
What is most concerning is that indigent residents, many of whom rely on social grants, are forced to pay private individuals R500 to purchase water. This is a cruel and unsustainable burden for a community that is struggling to survive. The failure to provide a basic human necessity like water is both inhumane and unjust.
The residents of Esphisaneni cannot endure these inhumane conditions any longer. Access to clean and safe water is a basic human right, and the municipality’s failure to fulfil this obligation violates that right.
The DA will continue to monitor this issue closely and engage with the affected community to ensure their voices are heard. The municipality will be held accountable for its actions and inactions.
The Executive Mayor is urged to treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves and take immediate steps to address the water crisis in Esphisaneni.