Water, sanitation at heart of debate

WATER and sanitation were at the centre of discussions during the yearly Amathole District Municipality’s integrated development plan roadshow which yesterday was held at the Willowvale community hall.

Community members from areas within Mbashe Local Municipality voiced their disgruntlement over a lack of water supply and adequate sanitation in a meeting chaired by Amathole officials.

Community member SivuyileHappy Tembani applauded the roadshow initiative and being told about the municipality’s plans, but believed more needed to be done when it came to implementation.

“This is very helpful because it assists the community to know what their municipal plans are, but it would be more helpful if they had a properly prepared implementation plan,” said Tembani.

In the meeting, most locals voiced their unhappiness over the department of water affair’s bulk water transportation system, with some saying it did not reach the drought-stricken areas.

Villagers from Nqadu, Dutywa and other villages claimed to still be affected by the failed Siyenza toilets project that left dozens of households without proper sanitation.

Amathole representative and Mbashe local councillor Xolelwa Baleni applauded the community members for their comments and assured them that their demands would be met.

“People are allowed to criticise the department but they also need to congratulate us for this initiative and the plans we have for this municipality,” he said.

Amathole announced at the start of the roadshow, which began last week, that they would be pumping R1.39-billion into reducing sanitation backlogs and managing water infrastructure in the 2018-2019 financial year.

Municipalities are required by legislation to develop a five-year integrated development plan that is reviewed every year, taking into account the development issues of its area. —