DA head to Human Rights Commission over Gauteng water crisis

Last month, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu encouraged water service authorities, including Rand Water, to implement water shifting to ensure no area sits without water for a prolonged period.

Water shifting is a process where water is shifted from one system to another to ensure a balanced and equitable supply of water.

Gauteng's three metros have been battling with erratic water supply due to storm-damaged infrastructure and a sudden rise in temperatures.

The DA says water shedding crippling service delivery, collapsing Gauteng’s economy, and robbing residents of their constitutional right to water.

“You can’t grow an economy without an economy, and you can’t grow an economy without the water – these are the basic requirements. You can’t grow an economy if you don’t have the basics,” Steenhuisen told supporters.

Nearly 400 surgeries had to be cancelled at 16 of Gauteng’s health facilities due to water challenges.

This was confirmed by Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in the provincial legislature this week.

The party’s Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, read from the complaint document, which was received by officials from the commission.

Msimanga listed Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai as the implicated persons who contributed to the dire water supply situation in the province.

The DA has previously accused Rand Water and Mosai of withholding information regarding the extent and severity of the water scarcity crisis, preventing residents from being adequately prepared.

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