Chairperson, the municipality of Makhado in the Limpopo Province has a serious problem regarding unmaintained, aged sewerage infrastructure. The infrastructure is old and in a shocking state. Sewage runs through the streets unchecked. Sewerage plants and sewerage dams are not working. Pumps are broken. This has been a problem for seven years and nothing is being done about it.
Wetlands and boreholes around Makhado are contaminated and polluted by sewage that runs uncontrolled. People around dumping sites are in danger because rubbish and sewage run through their houses. Two rivers, the Tshipise and Nandoni, and the Albasini Dam are contaminated by sewage. Boreholes and underground water are polluted. People and animals use that water. Streams and wetlands are contaminated. Farmers use water for irrigation, which in the long run might put people's lives at risk.
Sewage treatment plants are not working. The Municipality has neglected infrastructure. There is no maintenance by either the local or Vhembe District Municipality. It is the ordinary people who are suffering from these kinds of problems. Sewerage and toilet pipes are leaking. The University of Venda conducted research and found that the water tested positive for e-coli.
The DA urges the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry to take action in order to address this pressing issue and save lives. We do not want to react only when people are sick as a result of opportunistic diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. We've seen what happened at Ukhahlamba District Municipality, where babies lost their lives. We therefore want the Minister to take urgent action to address this problem before it is too late. The Minister must act against the responsible municipalities as her department is the custodian of water affairs and forestry. There is a high risk of damage to the veld and human life. Thank you. [Applause.]