The Democratic Alliance has submitted additional complaints to the South African Human Rights Commission regarding poor municipal service delivery in the Free State. Residents continue to experience problems with sewage, water, and electricity. The DA has assisted residents in compiling statements and evidence to submit to the commission. Dr. Igor Scheurkogel, the DA's constituency head for the Metsimaholo region, stated that the party is helping residents to document their experiences.
One of the cases submitted by the DA is that of 72-year-old Dawn Thompson from Oranjeville, whose house has been repeatedly flooded with sewage water for 18 years. The sewage water comes from a nearby sewage treatment plant. The Metsimaholo municipality has also allegedly expropriated a portion of her property without an agreement or proper communication. Scheurkogel submitted the complaint on Thompson's behalf in May. The Human Rights Commission visited the site in July and subsequently wrote to the municipality.
According to Scheurkogel, the municipality has not provided the required feedback or taken sufficient action to address the flooding. The extent of the problems is also reflected in the Auditor-General's latest report on local government. None of the 23 municipalities in the Free State achieved a clean audit for the 2024/2025 audit year. Eleven municipalities received qualified audit opinions, three received adverse opinions, and two audits were still outstanding.
Scheurkogel emphasized that these shortcomings are not just numbers on a report but have a daily impact on residents. They experience prolonged water and electricity outages, sewage overflowing into yards and streets, and deteriorating infrastructure. Meanwhile, municipalities struggle to pay their suppliers and maintain essential services. The consequences also extend beyond households, affecting local businesses, investments, and job creation.
The DA welcomes the Human Rights Commission's efforts to hold municipalities accountable for poor service delivery that may have infringed on residents' rights. Scheurkogel urged residents who have suffered damage due to poor water, sanitation, or other municipal services to preserve all possible evidence. This includes photos, correspondence with the municipality, complaints, and any other supporting documents.
The DA's actions may pave the way for further legal steps against municipalities. The party has helped residents compile information and submit it to the commission, which has requested additional complaints, statements, and documentary evidence. Scheurkogel stated that the commission's involvement is crucial in addressing the systemic problems in the Free State's municipalities.
Residents are advised to document their experiences and preserve evidence to support their claims. The DA and the Human Rights Commission are working together to address the issues and hold municipalities accountable for their failures. The situation in the Free State highlights the need for improved municipal service delivery and greater accountability.
Key points
- The DA has lodged complaints with the Human Rights Commission over poor municipal service delivery in the Free State.
- None of the 23 municipalities in the Free State achieved a clean audit for the 2024/2025 audit year.
- Residents are urged to preserve evidence of poor municipal service delivery to support their claims.
