Tshwane, 29 February 2024 – ActionSA has expressed its support for the adjustment budget presented in today’s sitting, acknowledging the constraints it poses on salary increases and service delivery. However, the party has called for urgent action to address the ongoing water crisis in Hammanskraal, emphasizing the critical importance of delivering clean water to the affected community.
The adjustment budget, while facing limitations, aims to tackle various pressing issues within the city. Among these concerns, the provision of clean water to Hammanskraal has emerged as a top priority for ActionSA.
Jackie Mathabathe, the Caucus Leader of ActionSA Tshwane, stated, “When we embarked on this term of office, one of our primary priorities was to ensure that the people of Hammanskraal have access to clean water. The ActionSA Tshwane Caucus is proud to say that this budget reflects our steadfast commitment to this important initiative. Despite the evident delays, we will not falter in our resolve to see this project through to completion.”
The water crisis in Hammanskraal has plagued the community for an extended period, severely impacting the daily lives and well-being of residents. The lack of adequate access to clean water has resulted in numerous health concerns and diminished overall quality of life.
In May 2023, Hammanskraal was gripped by a severe cholera outbreak, leading to a significant influx of patients at Jubilee Hospital. A total of 37 individuals were admitted to the hospital, while an additional 95 sought medical attention. Tragically, the Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Mr. David Mahlobo, confirmed that the outbreak had claimed the lives of 15 individuals in Hammanskraal. The situation highlighted the urgent need for immediate action to address the water and sanitation challenges faced by the community.
ActionSA City of Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson, Mr Thabang Sebotsane, said ActionSA views it as a fundamental aspect of their commitment to improving the lives of citizens and has vowed to persevere in resolving this pressing matter.
Mr Sebotsane said ActionSA’s recognition of this critical issue and dedication to finding a solution demonstrates their commitment to addressing the urgent needs of affected communities.
“While acknowledging the budget’s limitations and its effect on salary increases and service delivery, ActionSA remains resolute in its mission to prioritize the pressing needs of communities such as Hammanskraal. We believe that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and we are determined to fulfil our promise of providing this vital resource to those in need,” Mr Sebotsane said.
The adjustment budget presented in today’s sitting aims to confront the financial challenges faced by the city, with a specific focus on improving service delivery across various sectors.
Mr Sebotsane said ActionSA’s endorsement of the budget underscores their commitment to enhancing the lives of Tshwane residents and their insistence on addressing the critical water provision issue in Hammanskraal.
“ActionSA has pledged to continue working diligently to overcome the obstacles and delays hampering the delivery of clean water to the community. Our unwavering dedication and determination to see this project through to completion is a positive step toward alleviating the hardships faced by the residents of Hammanskraal.
“As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for all stakeholders involved in the coalition government to prioritize the urgent provision of clean water to Hammanskraal. The community’s well-being and basic human rights are at stake, and swift action is needed to address this pressing issue,” he said.
