The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has marched to the ANC-run Umkhanyakude District Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal to demand that the decades-long water crisis be resolved.
The red berets also demanded that the municipality should table a buried forensic report about a water scheme where R130 million was allegedly spent, but the work was not completed.
The protest march took place in the town of Mkhuze, the headquarters of the district municipality that includes Jozini, Umhlabuyalingana, Mtubatuba and Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipalities.
“The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal, representing the affected residents of uMkhanyakude District, demand urgent and transparent communication regarding the ongoing water crisis and the Nondabuya Community Water Scheme Project.
“It is unacceptable that the people of uMkhanyakude continue to suffer without access to a reliable water supply despite substantial funds being allocated to water infrastructure projects.
“The EFF therefore demands that the uMkhanyakude District Municipality provide the following information within seven (7) days from the date of this memorandum,” reads the memorandum which was delivered to the municipality.
The memorandum was accepted by the municipality’s mayor, Siphile Mdaka, who is also the chairperson of the ANC in the region.
The EFF also wants to know the exact date on which residents can expect the full restoration of water services, and the expected completion date of the Nondabuya Community Water Scheme Project.
“It (the report) also detailed breakdown of the total amount spent on the project to date, including a full
financial report accounting for the R130,599,540.98 already incurred and the forensic outcomes of the investigation into the Nondabuya Community Water Scheme Project and why the report has not been tabled before council.”
The EFF also wants answers as to why the district municipality is unable to source water from the Jozini dam and provide water to the people.
“What is the relationship between uMkhanyakude District Municipality and the Jozini Dam in relation to the ongoing water crisis? What steps, if any, have been explored to nationalise the Jozini Dam under state custodianship to ensure residents have access to clean and usable water?” the party asked in the memorandum.
Mdaka said: “We accepted the memorandum and we will respond accordingly. However, I can assure you that issues raised are matters that to some extent are fair concerns.”
