The IFP calls for the urgent investigation of the furore surrounding the procurement process of the water supply tender allocation between WSSA and uMngeni Water in King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM). This saw the water supply abruptly cut, prompting a community protest on Monday, in key areas of this Municipality. Parallel to this, the IFP is aware of the continued contempt of Court by KCDM, regarding the High Court ruling that gave Midmar Plant Hire a tender to supply water in the district. Should the Midmar Plant Hire court process succeed, the whole district will remain without water and will leave KCDM with a vacuum that our people cannot afford. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, such a situation is tragic.
Some of the areas have been without water for a month, and some of the schools have also been affected.
This morning various routes were barricaded with burning tyres, stones and trees, by protesters demanding water supply via water tankers. Various routes were affected, bringing all activities to a halt. Affected roads are the R102, R66, R34 and R230. The IFP demands that the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr Sihle Zikalala, resumes an investigation with regard to the awarding of the water supply tender. We further suspect foul play in the abrupt termination of the WSSA contract.
The corruption running rife in this Municipality – amongst COGTA officials colluding with their cronies for self-enrichment – has deprived locals of their basic rights. In the midst of the Covid-19 peak, one can only wonder what the consequences of this reckless and selfish behaviour will be.
This irrational behaviour by the Municipality will not only lead in the destruction of property due to protest action, but also poses a threat to safety and security in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, where people are expected to adhere to social distancing regulations. It will also impact negatively on the economy, as some of these routes are a hub for economic activity.
The IFP will ensure that the investigation is resumed and that the culprits are exposed, and brought to book.
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Contact:
MR BLESSED GWALA, MP
SPOKESPERSON FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY
078 290 5842
