Central SA
‘Must North West resident always be forced to barricade roads’─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 10:32 Wed, 27 Aug 2025
A North West opposition party has criticised the ANC over continued service delivery challenges.
North West DA MPL Freddie Sonakile lashed out at the ANC-led government during a sitting of the North West Provincial Legislature, questioning the recurring failure to provide basic services. Sonakile’s criticism came in response to the ongoing water crisis in Unit 13, Mmabatho, where residents were left without water for more than five days.
During this time, they reportedly received no communication from the Mahikeng Municipality. Community frustration boiled over, culminating in road barricades as residents demanded immediate action.
“While water has been restored, we must ask the question: does it always have to get to a point where residents barricade roads before the ANC government acts on providing basic services?” Sonakile asked.
“The people must not be held hostage to incompetence and neglect. They deserve better, and those responsible should be ashamed.”
The incident in Mmabatho is emblematic of broader issues plaguing the Platinum Province, particularly in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, where water infrastructure has deteriorated.
Pollution of vital water bodies
Sonakile referred to a recent oversight visit by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, who painted a grim picture of the state of water sources in the region. He expressed grave concern over the pollution of vital water bodies, including the Molopo River, and Setumo and Lotlamoreng Dams, with raw sewage routinely flowing through the streets and into natural waterways.
“The health of communities is at risk as residents have to live with sewage flowing through the streets and through the rivers and streams,” he warned.
The department of water and sanitation announced plans to lay criminal charges against the district municipality for its role in ongoing water pollution.
Meanwhile, Sonakile blamed political interference and corruption in water infrastructure contracts, accusing the ANC of compromising service delivery for personal and political gain.
Political interference and corruption in water infrastructure contracts have cost municipalities millions, undermining service delivery and endangering residents’ health.
He urged both the provincial government and municipalities to act with urgency and integrity in restoring and maintaining critical infrastructure, stressing that access to clean water is not a luxury but a fundamental right.
