The commission says they have received an increased number of complaints in the last fiscal year. This includes complaints regarding poor water quality and unannounced water cuts.

The newly appointed Free State Provincial Manager, Thabang Kheswa, says the lack of water and adequate sanitation is, in fact, the most violated right in the province. He says second to this is the issue relating to the lack of housing and evictions. Kheswa says it has come to light that there are a number of towns that are without water and still use bucket-toilet systems. He says on his list of priorities is to engage the different municipalities and government departments on these issues.

This includes the Mohokare Municipality and Maluti-A-Phofung, where violent protests broke out this week. Kheswa has expressed his disappointment with the high level of human rights violations in the province.
Speaking on challenges faced in the province, Kheswa highlighted that there is an urgent need to address the service delivery challenges in the province.

The commission's Senior Legal Officer, Shirley Mlombo, added that some of the cases are still under investigation while others are at an advanced stage. She said several reports can be expected to be released soon. This includes an investigation report on the state of healthcare services in the province.

Source: OFM News