The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a call to action, demanding that Velenkosi Hlabisa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), outlines a concrete plan to prevent the looming water crisis in Gauteng municipalities.
This urgent plea follows alarming warnings from Rand Water, which last week highlighted critically low water storage levels due to excessive bulk water withdrawals by municipalities.
Rand Water has revealed that water storage levels are critically low, and that water supply could soon be depleted if the necessary measures are not put in place to avoid disaster, said the EFF.
The EFF has been vocal in recent weeks regarding the escalating water supply issues, particularly emphasising the significant debts owed by municipalities to Water Boards.
The party noted that this financial burden threatens essential water infrastructure and services, leaving vulnerable citizens at risk.
According to the EFF, the root of the debt crisis largely stems from inadequate rate collection from large corporations and the mining industry, which consume vast quantities of water without fulfilling their payment obligations.
Moreover, the party noted that this shortfall prevents municipalities from settling their debts with Water Boards, exacerbating the crisis.
"The general mismanagement of municipal finances and water-related issues squarely falls on the shoulders of Minister Hlabisa," said Leigh-Ann Mathys spokesperson for the EFF.
"Since assuming office he has not been able to outline any plan to stabilise internal systems within municipal governance and resolve the debt and water challenges confronting the sphere of governance he presides over."
While Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina shares responsibility for the crisis, the EFF noted that Hlabisa's inaction is particularly alarming.
The party believes that the political dynamics following the 2024 Provincial and National Elections have led to the appointment of Ministers who are not suitable for the responsibilities expected of them.
The EFF is now demanding that Minister Hlabisa provide a detailed strategy for alleviating the debt challenges affecting municipalities and Water Boards.
They are particularly concerned about how he plans to prevent the impending water crisis through improved management and equitable distribution of water at the municipal level.
Mathys further criticised Hlabisa's connections to major corporate interests, stating, "If he is not beholden to these entities given his political campaign was funded by the Oppenheimer family, significant players in South Africa's mining sector he must act decisively.
‘’We call on him to demand that these corporations pay their debts to municipalities or face the severe consequence of having their water supply cut off."
IOL Politics