DA approaches SAHRC to intervene over failing ANC’s service delivery collapse in Mangaung

5 November 2018

Today, the Democratic Alliance in the Free State, handed over a dossier of unresolved service delivery issues in Mangaung municipality to the South African Human Rights Commission.

The unresolved issues include:

- Raw sewage spillages which have become a living reality for Mangaung residents;

- Water quality has deteriorated rapidly and in some cases has become undrinkable due to dirt, slime and algae;

- Refuse removal is erratic, with refuse not being collected for weeks or months. Residents are then forced to dump refuse in open spaces;

- Roads are dilapidated, which makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to access houses of residents in medical distress.

The failing ANC government is violating resident’s basic human rights whose entitlement to quality basic services is guaranteed in the South African constitution.

The city is now a high-risk health zone as residents have to consume water that is not up to standard, making them susceptible to water-borne diseases.

Previous DA attempts to get the issues resolved, first by writing to the City Manager, marching with residents to submit a memorandum of demands, laying official complaints with the Green Scorpions and laying criminal charges with SAPS, have all failed to yield any results.

We trust that the SAHRC, as a human rights body, will provide the way forward for long-suffering Mangaung residents.

Only a DA government stands ready to speed up the delivery of quality basic services that will guarantee the dignity of all residents for a one South Africa for all.

Issued by Patricia Kopane, DA Free State Premier Candidate, 5 November 2018