SAHRC: ‘Municipalities must upgrade the water system’
KwaZulu-Natal municipalities are given 12 months to fix the water system, the instruction was given to them by SAHRC.
The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has given KwaZulu-Natal municipalities 12 months to fix water infrastructure.
The SAHRC Commissioner, Chris Nissen, said that the municipalities complained that the discriminatory programs to keep people away from the water systems are the ones that cause problems in providing people with water.
ALSO READ: WATCH: SAHRC to release KZN water crisis report [VIDEO]
Nissen said that he does not agree with this idea because the government has been run according to the will of the people for 28 years, so the government cannot explain the problems of apartheid and the old system that was left by those in charge at that time.
WHY DID THEY START THE WATER INVESTIGATION?
“We started an investigation into water problems after receiving more than 600 complaints. Municipalities still complain about discrimination even though the government has been run according to the will of the people for 28 years. The question is why they have not repaired the system all these years because they know it is old. It is clear that it is the responsibility of KwaZulu-Natal municipalities,” said Nissen.
ALSO READ: KZN water crisis report to be released by SAHRC
He said people were complaining about not having clean water or just drinking water for seven days, several months or years. He pointed out that the lack of water puts women and children at risk as they travel long distances to find water.
Commissioner Philile Ntuli of SAHRC in KwaZulu-Natal, said that the biggest problem is that the municipalities do not follow the order that they should repair the water system, if the water runs out and trucks are sent, the water will be enough for all the people.
ALSO READ: WATCH: SAHRC slams KZN municipalities for water [VIDEO]
She pointed out that even the trucks that send water to people are being used by opportunists to make quick money.
SAHRC SUGGESTION
SAHRC suggested that the Minister of Water and Sanitation must closely monitor municipalities to ensure that people get clean water every day because not having access to clean water for people is a violation of their right.
ALSO READ: South Africa: The cheapest province to renew a car licence
It suggested that the water system should be repaired and expects a report on the work done in 12 months. Municipalities have been encouraged to apply for funding to the repair system from the government.