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The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Gauteng Premier Candidate, Solly Msimanga MPL did an oversight visit to the Midvaal Municipality today. The visit was highlighted by site visits, and in-depth presentations regarding the nature of the water issues faced by the municipality.

After attending the briefing by Midvaal Mayor, Peter Texiera. He, and the MMC of Engineering Cllr Reginald Hubbard escorted the delegation to various sites. It is clear that they are planning for the future. This, despite the Gauteng Provincial Government’s failure to provide a ten-year master plan. Midvaal is planning and building for the next 10 years – by creating and implementing their own plan.

While Municipalities across the province struggle to receive Telemetry data from Rand Water, Midvaal has begun installing live Telemetry metres in their reservoirs. This monitors the amount of water coming from Rand Water, and allows for adjustment on the side of the municipality when supply is throttled.

The sad truth that this oversight has revealed, is that Rand Water simply isn’t living up to their end of the bargain, especially with regards to other municipalities in the province. In Midvaal, they have no other choice but to assist, because the municipality has solved their own issues, and is able to hold them to account.

Rand Water has failed.

They have failed to provide the necessary telemetric data to municipalities in Gauteng, creating an either-or situation. Either do it yourself, or be held ransom by and incompetent CEO whose company swears by transparency, but can only reply to questions when they try to rebut media statements.

The DA-run Midvaal proves that it is possible to work around the constraints brought on by ineffective state-owned entities. It should, however, not be necessary.

Issued by Solly Msimanga MPL - DA Gauteng Premier Candidate