GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The lack of service delivery in Graaff-Reinet has gained national attention, following the launch of a series of articles by Daily Maverick journalist Estelle Ellis.
The series focuses on the failure of local government in several municipalities, starting with the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality.
"These failures have brought several communities to their knees," the first article read, with specific focus on the poor living conditions in Riemvasmaak, Blikkiesdorp and Vrygrond. The Graaff-Reinet Advertiser reported in March that Sias Smith, chairperson of the Graaff-Reinert Action Committee, led a protest in town to demand better living conditions for residents of these areas. "These locals are forgotten by the municipality,"
Smith said at the time. Smith did not wish to give further comment more recently, stating that he will respond the Advertiser's questions after the Daily Maverick's series is published.
According to MP Samantha Graham-Maré, an oversight of Vrygrond and Riemvasmaak was conducted last week. "We were horrified by the conditions that people are forced to live in," she told the Advertiser, stating that Vrygrond has no running water and Riemvasmaak has only one water tank with a working tap.
Furthermore, Vrygrond only has two public toilets, and in Riemvasmaak people are forced to relieve themselves in the bush or buckets. Graham-Maré added that rubbish in the area remains uncollected, which has caused an unbearable stench. The roads are also impassable, meaning an ambulance or fire truck would not be able to reach those in need.
"While we understand that financial issues make it difficult for the municipality to address every need, this can never be an excuse to leave people living without basic human rights and dignity," Graham-Maré said. According to her, a request will be made that a proper audit is done of these areas, to determine how many people are living there. "Until that has been done, there can be no proper planning to meet their basic needs," she explained.
In June, Graaff-Reinet locals launched an online petition against the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality's proposed tariff and salary increases. The municipality proposed an 8% tariff increase for the 2020/2021 financial year and applied for a 4% increase in councillors' salaries.
Over 3500 residents signed the petition, but Mayor Deon de Vos did not respond.
"The salary raises should have been spent on upgrading the living conditions of people living in abject poverty," said resident Liz Buisman of the Graaff-Reinet Residents' & Ratepayers' Association.
"These conditions prove that municipal employees have not been delivering basic services and do not deserve more money," Buisman added.
By the time of going to press, the Advertiser was conducting an interview with De Vos about these issues. His comment will be available online and in next week's Advertiser. Acting Municipal Spokesperson, Edwardine Abader, said De Vos will also release a statement on the matter, which will be available on the municipal social media platforms.
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