Msunduzi infrastructure issues due to 'political interference', SAHRC hears
The South African Human Rights Commission has heard that political interference is largely to blame for Msunduzi's water infrastructure issues.
That's the belief of the chairperson of the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics.
Anthony Waldhausen testified at the commission's inquiry into water access in KZN, sitting in Umhlanga on Tuesday.
READ: KZN municipalities under fire at SAHRC hearings into water woes
He highlighted cadre deployment within the municipality as a contributing factor to the city's water challenges.
"It has been reported that some senior managers have Standard 8 or matric only. Skilled or experienced municipal staff who have worked at the municipality for many years are overlooked.
"Delays and turnaround times and repairs of the burst pipes and poor workmanship are the contributing factors. This has resulted in residents being without water for weeks on end."
Waldhausen says some workers employed to assist with water-related issues are unskilled.
ALSO READ: SAHRC hears more boreholes needed to ease KZN water woes
"Staff weren't able to read plans and didn't know how to turn on the water valve. It was residents who intervened and showed staff water to do."
The inquiry continues.
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