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The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes a written response from the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, indicating that the department is willing to assist with the upgrade of water infrastructure in Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

The main reason Hennenman and Ventersburg have been without water for extended periods is that infrastructure investment has not kept up with population growth, and infrastructure has not been maintained due to financial constraints.

The department indicated that there are plans and, in some instances, even project designs. The investment will be R900 million over five years. However, the municipalities debt of R5 billion and its failure to pay its bill to Bloemwater, is making it impossible for the water board to proceed with such an investment.

The ball is now in the ANC-run municipalities’ court. Financial discipline within the municipality will unlock infrastructure investment and ensure that the people of Hennenman and Ventersburg will have water in the years to come.

The DA calls on the municipality to honour its commitment, as adopted on 19 March 2018, to follow its payment agreement with Bloemwater and unlock this investment.

Issued by Maxie Badenhorst - DA Councillor Matjhabeng Local Municipality