Threat of court actions sparks VDM reaction

Date: 23 April 2015 By: Isabel Venter

Threats of legal action sparked reaction from the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) as far as water service delivery is concerned.

During an emergency meeting held between key roleplayers, portfolio heads and the local branch of AfriForum, important decisions were taken regarding Louis Trichardt’s water issues. The meeting was held last Thursday (16th) at the Makhado Municipality. In attendance were some of the senior VDM management, such as Cllrs Lucy Mulaudzi (Head of Finance), Lucas Munyuwa (Head of Technical services), Muditambi (Head of Infrastructure) and the new acting general manager of technical services, Mr Eric Muneri.

The main topic of discussion was the implications of AfriForum’s recent decision to proceed with court action against the VDM for failing to provide a continuous water flow to residents. VDM failed to adhere to AfriForum’s action plan, which was passed down as a High Court order.

Local chairperson for AfriForum Mr Wally Schultz expressed high hopes for VDM after the meeting. “It is the first time we have had senior council members involved in this ongoing battle, which will help us to increase the pressure on Vhembe to get the job done,” said Schultz.

“Having the heads of these three crucial portfolios on board and giving their full support to AfriForum’s water action plan is something of a first for local government. It is a unique new partnership that bodes well for the future of service delivery,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of VDM, Cllr Mulaudzi said that the attendees of the emergency meeting had become part of a new steering committee, which will now meat regularly in support of each other to ensure the implementation of the water action plan.

This plan, according to Schultz, has three parts, which firstly requires the refurbishment of old boreholes and securing them, then drilling three new boreholes for the Mowkop reservoir, and linking existing boreholes to the Berg Street reservoir.

As far as the drilling of additional boreholes is concerned, VDM project manager Mr Ernest Maboyane confirmed that two had been finished, and that the third was near completion.

According to general manger Muneri, there will also be a new inspection tour of the borehole system this coming week.

Alas, while Schultz has welcomed the new action, AfriForum’s head office is still determined to proceed with their legal action. “It will take immediate, urgent action by Vhembe for us to put legal proceedings on hold,” said Schultz.

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

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