JOBURG Water official, Siphindile Sikhosana has admitted to stripping Usindiso Building residents off their rights to access water.
This comes as water supply to the building, which was once considered a haven for abused women and children, was cut off and following claims that the building owed the municipality more than R4,3 million in unpaid water bills.
“Unfortunately, at the time of the disconnections, we were unaware of who stayed there and the number of residents inside. That's not our responsibility. Our role is credit control up to a metre outside the building,” Skhosana said.
She spoke at the inquiry on Wednesday, 13 March, that is currently underway in Parktown in Joburg.
The inquiry on Tuesday, 12 March, entered cross-examination with Fana Mngunu, Deputy Director in the EMS's Public Safety Division, testifying before the Usindiso Fire inquiry that no compliance of the building in fire safety could have possibly led to delays in fighting the fire and saving lives.
More witnesses will take the hot seat for cross-examination.
This process is expected to run swiftly as the commission is chasing a March 2024 deadline.
The inquiry is divided into two parts.
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The first phase is to investigate circumstances that led to the deadly fire and the prevalence of leasing hijacked buildings in the Joburg inner city.
The second phase will focus on the recommendations, based on the commission's findings, and who must be held liable for the fire and the deaths that emanated from it.
Currently on the hot seat is Skhosana, who acknowledged failure of the city to consider the rights of Usindiso residents at before cutting off the water supply to the building and the city correcting its mistakes.
“It can be agreed that residents were unfairly treated as there was no water at the time. We acknowledge that it’s something the city needs to look into, in terms of reviewing policies going forward and alternative supply,” she said.
According to Skhosana, she has a mandate to disconnect water supply.
“Firstly, we restrict the water supply before completely cutting off supply, but if we detect illegal connections, we do a complete water shutdown. With consideration, it’s not within my responsibility. Mine goes as far as effecting credit control."
