REFILWE GAESWE
A Virginia resident in the Free State has laid a complaint this week at the Human Rights Commission against Matjhabeng Municipality and Sedibeng Water Board.
Human Rights Commission’s provincial head, Buang Jones said the complaint is regarding water supply that was cut by Sedibeng Water and Matjhabeng Municipality without giving out a notice. He said the water cut affected approximately 406 000 people living around Virginia, Welkom, Alanridge, Odendaalsrus and Ventersburg. Jones says they will be investigating the matter.
“We will seek to understand from vulnerable groups in the area on how the water cut affected them. We will also be looking at the commodification of water, as water is seemingly becoming expensive and unaffordable,” he said.
Jones further explained that the complainant requested the commission to provide guidelines on how the issue of suspension of services by bulk suppliers should be handled as water and sanitation is a basic human right. He said they will also be requesting a signed contract between Matjhabeng and Sedibeng.
“This is an interesting complaint as we haven’t received any similar complaint lodged before. The focus is not just on water but administration action which is section 23 of the constitution,” said Jones.
