Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Cllr Themba Fosi, here
Today I visited the launch of the first phase of the Magalies package plant at Klipdrift.
I had hoped that the first phase of the project to give the people of Hammanskraal clean water in their taps would be ready. This is an incredibly important project to give people dignified treatment, and end the reliance on water tankers.
It is clear that Magalies Water has delivered on its side of the agreement, but that the City of Tshwane is not yet ready to connect the package plant to the city’s reticulation system. Pipes on the Tshwane system still need to be flushed, and other checks done before water can be turned on.
Cilliers Brink, former Executive Mayor and DA caucus leader in Tshwane, yesterday made the point that political instability and vested interests cannot be allowed to derail the project. Tshwane must deliver on its side of the Klipdrift agreement, and already has the plan to do so.
That plan must just be implemented.
It can be done, but it will require hands-on political leadership. The project to give Hammanskraal residents clean water in their taps has the potential to restore trust in government. But if the political leadership of the city drops the ball, it could also deepen mistrust.