uMngeni Local Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas denounces ActionSA's misleading water crisis claims. File Picture: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
The uMngeni Municipality has called out ActionSA in response to their recent claims that it misled the public by falsely attributing the ongoing water crisis in eThekwini to the municipality.
This comes after DA-run uMngeni municipality was accused by ActionSA of improperly managing sewage systems.
Mayor of the uMngeni Municipality Chris Pappas clarified that his municipality is not responsible for water services, emphasising that the responsibility lies with the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, an African National Congress (ANC) run entity, and uMngeni-uThukela Water.
‘’To set the record straight: uMngeni Municipality is neither a water service authority nor a water service provider.’’
According to Pappas, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba pointed fingers at the wrong authorities.
Pappas noted that a simple fact-check would have shown the inaccuracy of these claims.
‘’A simple check by Mashaba’s party would have revealed this basic fact,’’ said Pappas.
"This oversight is a rookie error from a party struggling with the depth and capacity to perform even the most elementary tasks," he said, pointing to ActionSA’s recent misstep in announcing legal action against eThekwini, only for the court documents to "mysteriously disappear“.
Pappas acknowledged that the political climate was competitive at the moment, due to by-elections taking place in eThekwini, but he stressed that "misinformation in a bid to gain votes cannot be condoned“.
He warned that such actions erode public trust, urging political parties to ground their contributions in facts rather than pursuing attention-seeking tactics.
‘’We suggest they focus their efforts on holding the correct authorities accountable, especially those responsible for water services.’’
Pappas said despite uMngeni Municipality only being under DA control for 34 months, it has made notable strides in governance and development.
Pappas highlighted their successes, including compiling an asset register of R1.3 billion, paying off all loans, improving audit outcomes from qualified to unqualified, tripling the roads maintenance budget, installing 1,800 new LED street lights, and expanding social services for vulnerable groups.
In addition, the municipality boasts the highest allocation of free basic electricity in KwaZulu-Natal and has significantly reduced overtime costs, he said.
"Our government is making progress every day," said Pappas.
He also pointed to infrastructure improvements, such as bridges and roads in rural areas, and the groundbreaking of a R10 million upgrade to the Howick Falls precinct, which contributed to uMngeni securing Unesco status for Crafts and Folk Art.
While acknowledging that much work remains, Pappas expressed gratitude for the continued support of uMngeni residents and businesses, reaffirming the municipality's commitment to building safer and more prosperous communities.
IOL Politics
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