According to the DA councillor, Lizzy Callaghan, the MM, Allen Losaba, allegedly failed to comply with provisions of the Water Services Act and the Constitution to ensure the effective management of raw sewage in Sannieshof and Ottosdal. She says that both towns have been flooded with raw sewage as a result of septic tanks overflowing and residents are forced to walk and drive through the raw sewage, which is a serious health risk to residents.

In her statement, Callaghan adds the party further requested the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate the failure of this municipality to uphold the constitutional provision that guarantees the rights of the residents to live in an environment that is not harmful to their health and wellbeing, and that is free from pollution and not undignified.

Callaghan also alleges that AfriForum had previously obtained a court order that compelled Ngaka Modiri Molema to ensure effective basic service delivery, specifically, but the municipality continued to undermine the judgment. She adds that the DA in Tswaing had reported the sewerage problems to the Tswaing Municipality, but the concerns were shrugged off and the blame was shifted to Ngaka Modiri Molema. She says the party had also reported the complaints of residents, along with photos and videos, to Losaba, as well as the mayor, Khumalo Molefe. She concludes that a copy was also sent to the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements (COGTAHS), Lenah Miga. There has, however, not been a response yet.

OFM News has sent a news enquiry to the municipality and is awaiting a response.

OFM News