IFP urges urgent action on water issues across Gauteng, Western Cape, and Nationwide

11 October 2023

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) calls for immediate attention to the deteriorating state of bulk water infrastructure and the alarming lack of maintenance in the Gauteng and Western Cape Provinces, and throughout South Africa.

This matter underscores the constitutional imperative that access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, as enshrined in the South African Bill of Rights.

Recent events have highlighted the gravity of the situation, as communities across the country grapple with persistent water disruptions. The deteriorating state of water infrastructure has left countless South Africans without access to a basic necessity, adversely impacting their daily lives and well-being.

It is not only a moral duty but a constitutional obligation for the government to ensure the right to water for all its citizens.

The degradation of bulk water infrastructure and the lack of maintenance have caused severe hardships, particularly for those living in vulnerable communities. It is time for the Department of Water and Sanitation to step up and fulfil their responsibilities to the people of South Africa.

Furthermore, the IFP calls for urgent action by the Department of Water and Sanitation at the national level. The Department must work collaboratively with provincial and local governments to restore access to clean and safe water in the affected communities. Addressing the issue promptly is not only a matter of necessity but also a testament to the government's commitment to the well-being of its citizens.

The IFP believes that there is a need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to ensure that water infrastructure is not only repaired but maintained adequately to prevent future disruptions.

Our call for action as the IFP serves as a reminder that access to clean and safe water is an indispensable human right. It is a call to action for the Department of Water and Sanitation, provincial governments, and local authorities to join forces and prioritize the restoration and maintenance of water infrastructure for the benefit of all South Africans.

Issued by Mkhuleko Hlengwa, IFP National Spokesperson, 11 October 2023