Please find soundbite by Stephen Moore MP.
- Misgovernance reports at uMngeni-uThukela Water must be urgently investigated.
- The DA has again written to Minister Majodina, following worsening reports, now including a ballooned R390 million 8km water pipeline project.
- The right to water is paramount for residents and businesses, which the DA will vehemently defend.
For many South Africans, particularly KwaZulu-Natal residents, the water crisis has become an unacceptable new norm. The DA has been consistent in seeking accountability for failing municipalities, which are primarily responsible for delivering water to taps.
In this time of crisis, it is unconscionable that the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board is worsening matters for KZN residents, not aiding. This is an issue the DA deeply cares about.
The DA in October wrote to Minister Majodina seeking a probe into the board, following:
- R200 000 spent for a first-class travel for a staff member to attend the New York City Marathon,
- Excessive board fees of approximately R2.6 million, and alleged conflicts of interest, after a legal firm hired by the Board was linked to the Chair’s daughter.
Since our letter in October to Majodina,
- The compliance officer which sought to stop the R200 000 New York trip was suspended, which was thrown out by the KZN High Court, and
- Reports of looting have emerged, after a company linked to a board member received a contract to build an 8km water pipeline meant to cost R80m, which has since ballooned to nearly R400m.
The DA has again written to the Minister, as allegations against uMngeni-uThukela continue to pile, while KZN residents continue living without the basic right of water.
We demand a full probe into allegations facing the Board, complete transparency on the investigation, and a protection of whistleblowers seeking to expose wrongdoing.