HRC to probe Free State water supply

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has launched an investigation in the Free State to determine whether the rights of people there are being infringed upon by government’s inability to supply clean water.
The HRC manager in the Free State, Advocate Mothusi Lepheana, said the investigation follows a complaint by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and a request for the investigation based on rights stipulated in chapter two, section 27 of the constitution.
“It’s a violation of constitutional rights,” said the DA’s leader in the Free State, Roy Jankielsohn. “Access to clean, healthy drinking water is a right denied to the people by the Free State provincial government. Water quality and supply in the province is a long-standing problem, shrugged off by local authorities.”
The latest Water Quality Report, issued by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, indicated that the water supply at no less than seven towns in the province falls within the so-called red zone, which means it doesn’t comply with health regulations.
The seven towns are Dewetsdorp, Trompsburg, Kestell, Warden, Viljoenskroon, Edenville and Brandfort. The accumulative quantity of water supplied to these towns amounts to 12% of the province’s water supply output.
Jankielsohn said the MEC for Local Government and Housing, Joel Mafareka, claimed the drinking water is clean. “I dare him to come with me and see how raw sewerage is pumped into our local rivers,” said Jankielsohn.
The report showed only 41% of Free State’s water is of an acceptable quality and as much as 42% “needs attention”. Jankielsohn said water quality isn’t the only problem. “Some towns are regularly left without water for extended periods of time.”
“If the allegations by the DA are true, government could face serious violations of basic human rights,” said Lepheana. “We have given the local authorities opportunity to react to the allegations and will decide on a plan of action as soon as we receive the requested information.” – Annelie Coleman