COSATU Gauteng is gravely concerned about the water crisis in Tshwane Mamelodi and the City’s lack of urgency in addressing the community’s needs

30 January 2024

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng is deeply troubled by the worsening water crisis in Tshwane, particularly in the Mamelodi region, where certain areas have been without water for an alarming two weeks. This dire situation has forced residents to resort to illegal water connections in a desperate attempt to secure this basic human right.

COSATU Gauteng acknowledges that access to clean and reliable water is fundamental to the well-being of our communities. The City of Tshwane has a responsibility to its residents to ensure the provision of essential services, and the current state of affairs in Mamelodi is an outright failure on their part.

Furthermore, the lack of accountability and transparency in the City’s handling of the R295 million Rooiwal water treatment project is seriously concerning. Despite the significant investment, there has been no discernible progress or commitment to resolving the water crisis plaguing our communities. COSATU Gauteng demands a thorough investigation into the management and execution of the Rooiwal water treatment project to ascertain the reasons behind its apparent failure.

The City of Tshwane must immediately address the water crisis and prioritize the provision of water to the affected areas in Mamelodi and put in place urgent measures to restore water supply to these communities.

It is its responsibility to initiate a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the Rooiwal water treatment project to determine the causes of its apparent failure and take decisive action to rectify the situation and enhance accountability and transparency by implementing mechanisms that ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public projects and services. The residents of Tshwane deserve clear communication and accountability for the allocation of resources.

The Federation remains resolute in its commitment to championing the rights and well-being of the working-class citizens. The water crisis in Tshwane is a clear violation of these rights, and we will not stand idly by while our communities suffer. We call on the City of Tshwane to act swiftly and decisively to rectify the water crisis and demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of its residents.

AMANDLA!!!

Issued by Amos Monyela, Provincial Chairperson, COSATU, 30 January 2024