Note to editors: Please find an English soundbite of DA NMB Spokesperson for Infrastructure and Engineering, Councillor Masixole Zinto and Afrikaans soundbite of Winterhoek Constituency Leader, MPL Marshall von Buchenroder.
Today, I conducted an oversight inspection at the Kelvin Jones Waste Water Treatment Site.
I was joined by my colleagues including Winterhoek Constituency Leader, MPL Marshall von Buchenroder, NMB Caucus Leader Councillor Jonathan Lawack, Shadow MEC for Environmental Affairs, MPL Yusuf Cassim, and various DA Public Representatives.
Raw, untreated sewage has been flowing into the Swartkops River for more than a year, contaminating the water and making living conditions unbearable for residents due to the ongoing stench.
This matter has been repeatedly reported by local DA councillors to the ANC-led coalition of corruption municipality, which has simply ignored the residents’ pleas for assistance.
A recent spill earlier this month also affected local businesses in Algoa Road in Uitenhage, many of whom had to shut down temporarily, due to raw sewage flowing into their premises.
It’s appalling that this ANC-led coalition of corruption municipality is blatantly refusing to provide basic services to the people of Uitenhage. Services that are critical to ensure the health of its residents. The DA will not stand for it and we will hold them to account.
Residents of Nelson Mandela Bay have had to bear the brunt of the ANC-led coalition of corruption’s mismanagement for far too long. It is high time that the needs of the people are put first.
The DA will, therefore, be launching a petition, calling on the Municipal Manager to urgently tend to the sewage problem in Uitenhage and surrounding areas.
We are also in talks with the Department of Water and Sanitation, who have the authority to inspect and monitor the Kelvin Jones Waste Water Treatment Site.
This matter calls for urgent attention and action!
Only change under a DA-led government will see bulk infrastructure be routinely upgraded and maintained. And Only a DA government can protect our water sources and ensure basic human rights to clean water, sanitation and a safe living environment.