EASTERN CAPE NEWS - For two villages in the Emalahleni Local Municipality that have been without running water for 13 years, there might be a glimmer of hope.
The plight of the villages Boqgo and Qhugqwaru in Vaalbank has been taken up in a letter to the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) and the provincial government requesting urgent intervention.
In a press release on 8 May, DA constituency leader for the north-eastern Cape Marlene Ewers says the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) - the designated water and sanitation service provider for the Emalahleni Municipality - has installed standpipes, but never supplied water, and the standpipes have since been vandalised.
"I have written to the CHDM Executive Mayor, Lusanda Sizani, and the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Zolile Williams, requesting urgent intervention," says Ewers.
"The Chris Hani District Municipality must also conduct an expedited oversight inspection of the area."
Ewers says local DA councillors funded the installation of a borehole in each village in 2021.
Despite this, villagers still struggle as they must "pool resources to purchase electricity for the pumps that extract water".
"Access to water is a basic human right, and the failing ANC-led Chris Hani District Municipality's uncaring attitude is denying these villagers, who struggle to put food on the table, this fundamental right enshrined in the South African Constitution," says Ewers.
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