MEC is late in addressing the Ugu Municipality’s grievances

THE Democratic Alliance finally received a response from Nomusa Dube-Ncube, MEC of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, regarding the ongoing financial and water crisis within the Ugu District Municipality.

Shockingly, in the response, the MEC states that the investigation into serious intervention was started only months ago. This is despite the fact that the crisis has been going on for more than three years.

There is a complete crisis in service delivery. This lack of action shows the ANC’s no-care attitude and arrogance towards all the residents of the KZN South Coast. The Ugu District Municipality has had water supply interruptions since 2015, which left thousands of residents and tourists without water.

This was worsened by municipal worker strikes and alleged sabotage of vital infrastructure. It has a massive impact on the local tourism economy, with estimates of over 500 jobs and R90 million in revenue lost.

In addition, the lack of drought preparedness has resulted in water supply cuts in Harding.

The Ugu District Municipality has a monthly budgetary shortfall of R10m. Every month it has to dip into its reserve funds to pay salaries.

The municipality has an increasing number of creditors, especially contractors, involved in pipe maintenance. And the municipality has a debtors’ book of over R500m. But its billing system has been dysfunctional since February, with residents not receiving bills to pay.

The current ANC administration, under mayor Chiliza, cannot be trusted to turn the situation around. They created this crisis. The people of the South Coast are disgusted by the lack of care.

South Coast Tourism has already launched festive season plans. The tourism sector is vital for jobs, particularly for the youth. The DA calls on the MEC to act now to prevent future water cuts and job losses.

The DA will continue to call for section 139 administration, with the appointment of a capable administrator. And all bulk water services should be handed over to the more capable Umgeni Water. The DA will continue to fight for the dignity and right of all Ugu’s residents to have access to water.