Chairperson, the Eastern Cape is in a mist of a crippling draught the effects of this draught are evident in Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality where the Nqweba dam Graaff Reinet main water source has been dry since February resulting in an ongoing water shortages to the towns of 40 000 residences. Some residents have up to 215 days without water this year alone. Even there is nothing flows through the parts the meters continue to turn and residents are being charged for air. Thousands of fish died as the dam dried up. The residents were left with the responsibility of cleaning the dam and over two days organised by the Assembly Church 74 000 dead fish were cleared from the dam by volunteers and were disposed of.
Despite an allocation of R30 million for draught relief the municipality failed to spend the funds in time and have to apply for the roll-over. The mayor is nowhere to be seen, the municipal manager is conspicuously absent. There is a complete lack of communication, water truck deliveries are sporadic unlike the DA's proactive day zero programme in Cape Town which effectively prevented day zero. The Dr Beyers Naude Municipality has no plan
what so ever mean while thirsty residents are left sucking on air by an uncaring ANC government. Thank you.