Statement by ACDP MP, Marie Sukers

Issued by the African Christian Democratic Party

COGHSTA announcement of four months needed to restore water to Warrenton unacceptable

Jun 15, 2023

The announcement by the COGHSTA Department in the Northern Cape, at a press conference earlier today, that water will only be restored in the Magareng District by July this year has been met with outrage by the Warrenton community.

This comes after the area has been without water for four months already.

The ACDP is dissatisfied with the announcement after having been told by the Mayor and Municipal Manager of the Magareng Local Municipality, during a meeting on 6 June 2023, that water will be restored within a few days.

The situation has become unbearable for the community, with the poor and destitute left with no choice but to use of their last money to purchase water. Members of the community allege that water distribution is largely inefficient and is done with political favouritism – especially in the areas of Ikhutseng and Warrenvale.

The community of Warrenton has lodged a case at the Human Right’s Commission as they view being without water for about four months as a humanitarian crisis – whereby their dignity and basic human rights are being violated by the State.

The ACDP, on behalf of the Warrenton community, has submitted a petition to Parliament seeking the urgent restoration of water to the area.

The situation in the Magareng District is evidence of a government who bears no resemblance to its founding father, Albert Luthuli. It is a failing government with no will or capacity to govern.

In light of today’s announcement, the ACDP will tomorrow meet with community leaders of Warrenton to pave a way forward.

-ENDS-

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