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Human Rights Commission called to intervene in Alfred Nzo District water crisis

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Dear MyPE

The uncaring ANC-led Alfred Nzo District Municipality has proven that it feels nothing for the basic human rights and general well-being of the residents of Ndarhala Village near Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape.

On Monday, 8 July 2019, I conducted an oversight inspection at Ndarhala Village and was shocked to find the community’s only water source is the Umzimvubu River.

The residents share this water source with animals and carcasses of dead animals can also regularly be seen floating in the river.

Chemicals are also polluting the water as the residents do their laundry in the river. The water is unfit for human consumption and regularly is the cause of illness and in some cases even death within the community.

The Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM), which is responsible for providing water, has failed to provide the people with their basic human right to water and sanitation. Currently the Municipality does not even assist the community with water trucks to alleviate their suffering.

On 17 July 2019 I wrote to the ANDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Sixolile Mehlomakhulu, and requested that he furnish me, within 7 days, with a plan focussed on how the Municipality will ensure that this community is serviced with clean drinking water. (letter attached)

I did not receive a response and therefore had no option but to escalate this matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

Today I wrote to the SAHRC and requested an urgent intervention to protect the human rights of these residents of the Eastern Cape. (letter attached)

Only a DA government can ensure that the human rights of the long suffering residents of rural Eastern Cape are protected, and that they receive the basic services they are entitled to.

Regards

Baxolile Nodada MP
Alfred Nzo Constituency Leader

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