Actionsa Calls On Ethekwini Municipality To Fix Collapsed Sewer System

In the wake of the devastating floods that swept through Kwazulu-Natal in April of 2022, leaving a trail of destruction in its path, one would expect a unified effort to restore the province to stability. However, the reality is quite different. Action SA, a political party in the province, has been calling on The Eternity Metro municipality to address the collapse of the sewage system, but their attempts at mediation have hit a wall. In this article, we dive into the challenges, the failures of mediation, and the urgent need for a plan to rebuild Kwazulu-Natal.

A Failed Mediation: Setting the Stage

Action SA, a proactive voice in Kwazulu-Natal, has been leading the charge for a resolution. They believe that the mediation process failed before it even began. The municipality was initially expected to present a plan to address the sewage system's issues before a court case on June 7th, but they missed that deadline. Subsequently, they requested mediation, which Action SA agreed to in good faith. However, to their shock, the municipality arrived at the meeting empty-handed, offering nothing more than the news that they had received 1.5 billion rand from national government. But the catch is that only 220 million rand of that sum was earmarked for water and sanitation.

This revelation left Action SA puzzled and frustrated. The lack of a concrete plan or commitment to tackling the sewage problem was alarming. The leaders of the municipality claimed they would furnish a plan in the days to come, but without any written assurance, how can anyone trust that progress will be made?

A Billion Rand Short: The Reality of the Crisis

The mayor's statement that they need 109 billion rand to resolve the municipality's infrastructure challenges shows the gravity of the situation. The 1.5 billion rand allocated from the national government seems like a mere drop in the ocean when you consider that only a fraction of it is directed towards the sewage issue.

Furthermore, the mayor's attempt to shift the blame onto external factors, such as the floods and aging infrastructure, does not hold water. Action SA has proof that the sewage problem existed well before the floods hit in April. The lack of preparation and contradictory statements from different government departments only add to the confusion and undermine the residents' faith in the municipality's commitment to resolving the crisis.

A Call for Unity and Accountability

Action SA's leader emphasizes that this issue is not about money alone. It's about management, accountability, and a commitment to solving the problem. The city should be collaborating with other government departments to find solutions, rather than passing the blame.

National government's statements about addressing the issue fall short, with no tangible plan or results to show. The province is not only facing a humanitarian and environmental crisis but also an economic one. The sewage problem threatens to cripple the economy of Kwazulu-Natal, a region that significantly contributes to South Africa's GDP.

Action SA has been left with no choice but to take the matter to court. The third of April looms as the next pivotal moment in this ongoing battle for accountability and infrastructure stability.

Conclusion

The plight of Kwazulu-Natal is a stark reminder of the importance of effective governance and immediate action in the face of crisis. The people of this province are fighting not just for clean beaches and safe waters but for the economic survival of their region. As the mediation process fails to yield results, the call for a concrete plan, unity, and accountability becomes more urgent than ever. The resilience of the people of Kwazulu-Natal will undoubtedly drive the change they seek, but they need their government to stand by their side and act swiftly.