Dear Editor
Yesterday in Parliament, Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, responded to questions on actions he is taking against Gauteng’s MEC for CoGTA, Jacob Mamabolo, and Premier Panyaza Lesufi over Gauteng’s current water crisis, which Rand Water warned of since May this year.
Instead of putting politics aside, the Deputy President sought to protect Gauteng’s officials, arguing National Government was intervening despite both spheres of government being aware of it almost 5 months ago.
The Deputy President is being misleading, as Minister Pemmy Majodina previously acknowledged the Department’s repeated interventions in Gauteng, which have proven ineffective while local governments persist in neglecting leak repairs, fail to improve revenue collection, and continue to delay repaying their outstanding debt to Rand Water.
While Mashtile conceded that earlier action could have been taken, his response of the Minister being “on the ground” to address Gauteng’s water supply shortage is insufficient.
His failure to hold Gauteng’s officials to account is concerning. Deputy President Mashatile chairs the Water Task Team, which seeks to support National Government’s efforts in addressing water issues in our country. Further, having sworn an oath to our Constitution, he is meant to protect our nation’s interest, not cover for his political allies.
Gauteng’s water crisis underscores the dire consequences when national government fails to hold provinces and local authorities to account when they neglect their responsibilities. Gauteng’s government must be held accountable for its inaction, which has jeopardized the lives and livelihoods of its residents. This suffering was entirely preventable.
The Democratic Alliance in Parliament will continue to ensure effective oversight of our country’s water supply. While National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, has denied our request for a debate of national importance, we will continue to ensure that this matter is debated in Parliament.
Quality water and sanitation is a constitutional right, which the DA will protect.
Regards
Stephen Moore MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Water and Sanitation
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