The SPRA reacted to challenges in the IDP Draft Analysis.

"The overall sanitation system needs improvement," states the Integrated Development Plan Draft Analysis on page six, under the heading Challenges.

"What an understatement!" was the reaction from the Soutpansberg Ratepayers Association.

In a letter to the municipal manager, dated February 13, the SRPA complains:

"According to the Engineers you consulted, it was estimated that plus minus R14 million is needed to bring the sewerage and water purification plants up to standard … We saw that something is taking place at the water purification plant, but no progress has been made with the sewerage system and the little that is being done, will not alleviate the problems experienced … According to Mr. Bobodi, an amount of R3.5mil was available for above-mentioned reconstructions," reads the letter. The SPRA said that if that amount is correct, it falls nearly R11mil. short.

Concerning the funding for sewerage and water reticulation, the SPRA said that it was the responsibility of the Makhado Municipality to see to it that adequate funds are budgeted by the Vhembe District Municipality and that these are utilised for the correct purpose.

"It is no excuse to state that there were millions of rand available for infrastructure for Louis Trichardt, but that these were never utilised or made available to the Makhado Municipality by the Vhembe District Municipality or that the District Municipality did not execute their responsibilities according to the budget (sewerage and water reticulation)," reads the letter.

The municipal manager, Ms Faith Muthambi, was addressed in person and reminded of her accountability.

"Unfortunately, Madam, as municipal manager you are in the first line of fire … the overall responsibility is yours … see that your troops are battle-ready and if not, you should bring them before a firing squad. Without responsibility and accountability, you will not win the war."

By the time of going to press, the SPRA had not yet received any response to their letter by the municipal manager.