Emalahleni residents have a right to water!

Support the DA's drive to have this matter investigated in Parliament by the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation.

Water is a basic right in terms of clause 27(1) (b) of the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996 and provides that everyone regardless of race, religion or culture “has the right to food and water”. 

The persistent shortage of water in the Emalahleni Local Municipality has not been properly addressed or resolved over the past ten years.

Noting that the recommendations made in the report of the South African Human Rights Commission reference MP/2011/0134 have not been implemented in that:

  • residential areas still do not have water supply for up to seven or eight consecutive days;
  • water leaks are not repaired within a reasonable time span (often taking up to three months to be repaired and resulting in thousands of litres of potable water being wasted);
  • water tankers are not being despatched to areas without water unless specifically requested; and
  • insufficient information is supplied on the reason or expected duration of the water supply.

Therefore, calls for this matter be referred to:

    1. Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation for investigation;
    2. The South African Human Rights Commission to investigate the continued abuse of human rights by the Emalahleni Local Municipality;
    3. The Premier of Mpumalanga; and
    4. The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.

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Water is a basic right in terms of clause 27(1) (b) of the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996 and provides that everyone regardless of race, religion or culture “has the right to food and water”. 

The persistent shortage of water in the Emalahleni Local Municipality has not been properly addressed or resolved over the past ten years.

Noting that the recommendations made in the report of the South African Human Rights Commission reference MP/2011/0134 have not been implemented in that:

  • residential areas still do not have water supply for up to seven or eight consecutive days;
  • water leaks are not repaired within a reasonable time span (often taking up to three months to be repaired and resulting in thousands of litres of potable water being wasted);
  • water tankers are not being despatched to areas without water unless specifically requested; and
  • insufficient information is supplied on the reason or expected duration of the water supply.

Therefore, calls for this matter be referred to:

    1. Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation for investigation;
    2. The South African Human Rights Commission to investigate the continued abuse of human rights by the Emalahleni Local Municipality;
    3. The Premier of Mpumalanga; and
    4. The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.