Municipality disputes Rights Probe findings

The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) in Mpumalanga has disputed findings by the
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) that it is failing to provide basic services
to residents.

The SAHRC released a report this week slamming provincial municipalities over service
delivery failures. It cited political instability as a severe contributing factor.

The probe inspected STLM and the Nkangala District Municipality, with the latter reporting a
surplus availability of water, sanitation and electricity in Middelburg.

In written submissions, STLM said over 70,000 households in Middelburg are serviced,
along with traditional dwellings and informal settlements.

The municipality cited water infrastructure problems as the sole ongoing service issue,
blaming burst pipes, lack of storage, vandalism and industrial use for interruptions. It stated
that 67.7km of new PVC pipes have been installed.

The SAHRC visited communities in Middelburg where it found dirty water, sewage spills,
inconsistent waste removal and inadequate sanitation.

However, according to the Nkangala District Municipality, most households in the STLM
have access to water, sanitation, electricity and waste removal.

It cited data from 2016 showing a surplus in the provision of key services. However, the
STLM acknowledged water supply as its major challenge, contradicting the rosy district
overview.

While the STLM highlights its water infrastructure investments, SAHRC inspections revealed
continuing deficiencies on the ground. Political infighting likely exacerbates delivery issues.

The municipality appears to have put its best foot forward in refuting the damning provincial
report. But the lived experiences of residents speak louder than municipal submissions.

Ongoing service deficits indicate that the STLM still has work to do to fulfil basic rights.
Though it disputes the SAHRC findings, greater transparency and accountability are clearly
needed.