PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe visited the grief-stricken parents of drowning victim Lizalise Wellem (8) in Kwanokuthula on Friday 20 February to convey her condolences.
Lizalise drowned in the dam next to South Cape College in Kwanokuthula on Monday 16 February while swimming with two friends.
Tolashe's visit to his parents, Sindiswa Wellem and Yamnkela Zondani, at their home in Cuba Street, Kwanokuthula, formed part of her integrated community outreach programme to Kwanokuthula.
In a brief interview with the Knysna Plett Herald, Tolashe said that the Bitou council should prioritise the issue of the dam because the situation can have legal repercussions.
"That will be a lot of money and could lead to embarrassment for the municipality," said Tolashe.
Prioritise
Tolashe said she had interacted with Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam and Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi to establish whether the drowning was "a mistake or shortcoming".
"If it's one of those, we [must] make sure that we avoid something like this taking place [in future]. We must resolve the prob-lem," said Tolashe, adding that the Human Rights Commission did not take kindly to such events. If they [the municipality] did not budget, they must prioritise," said Tolashe.
In an earlier statement following the drowning, Kamkam said concerns previously raised about the area "are being treated with urgency".
"We are engaging Sanral to restore proper water flow beneath the N2 and to assess immediate steps to reduce water accumulation and improve safety.
"Sewerage and related infrastructure matters in Kwanokuthula will also be prioritised in the adjustment budget," said Kamkam.
Intervention
A media statement released by Bitou Municipality on Saturday 21 February said the municipality has resumed earthworks at the dam, which is next to the N2.
Excavation work to unblock a culvert along the N2 and clearing of the unwanted bushes resumed on Friday and will proceed until the culvert is unblocked and the dam is drained.
"This intervention is vital to reduce the safety risk to residents," said the statement.
Read previous article:
Outrage as boy drowns in Kwano dam
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