Msimanga accuses officials in non-DA led municipalities of running water distribution syndicates
On the water crisis, Solly Msimanga said the opposition has a number of interventions in place to mitigate water challenges where it governs, however, government officials benefitting from what he termed water syndicates are hindering efficient water supply.
On 15 February 2024, DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga delivered what he termed the ‘true state of the province address’. Picture: Thabiso Goba/ Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - While several parts of the country grapple with a water crisis, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has accused officials in non-DA led municipalities of being involved in water distribution syndicates.
The remarks were made by the party’s Gauteng premier candidate, Solly Msimanga, at a media briefing held in Johannesburg on Monday.
The briefing by the DA was on the introduction of two Private Member's Bills aimed at stabilising coalitions in the country.
When asked about the water crisis, Msimanga pointed out that the opposition had a number of interventions in place to mitigate water challenges where it governed, however, government officials benefitting from what he termed water syndicates were hindering efficient water supply.
"You realise there is a syndicate operating and I dare say it involves officials because they know if contracts go to these people, they will be able to deliver water and we will be able to get our kickback. So, there is a whole syndicate operating there that we now need to investigate."
Msimanga alongside his KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) counterpart, Chris Pappas, announced some interventions, including using water tankers owned by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), to cut out the middle man being private companies, which the opposition has also accused of benefiting from tender-like deals.
Both Pappas and Msimanga have accused the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of infringing on the human rights of citizens who have been without water for weeks on end.