“Jail municipal officials responsible for pollution, say water experts”, an article in the South African Mail&Guardian is entitled:
A R160 million (US$ 9 million) fine slapped on a Mpumlanga municipality for years of sewage pollution is a “step in the right direction” — but municipal heads need to roll to ensure accountability. Rembu Magoba, manager of the water centre at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, said:
“It has been long overdue that we start to see something like this happening but I believe we can still do more by going a step further and holding those who are responsible for managing those wastewater treatment plants personally liable for not taking the relevant action.”
And the article concludes:
AfriForum said the fine was “a significant victory”, but that officials should be held personally accountable for their “shocking negligence”. Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum’s head of environmental affairs, said:
“AfriForum maintains that the water crisis that is currently being experienced at a national level even justifies the imprisonment of the officials involved … However, in this case it amounts to double punishment for the taxpayers and residents of the municipality concerned. First residents were burdened with unsafe water, and now the very residents are going to pay the fine indirectly. The prosecution of officials who were responsible for the pollution must be a priority. This will hold officials accountable and guarantee the pursuit of excellence in the interest of residents.”
And we conclude: What the article states for “municipal heads” is even more true for CEOs and executives of private water companies. As long as they get their exorbitant salaries and bonuses, and citizens and customers foot the bill for their neglect, nothing will change. Only accountability – financial and legal – will ensure that human rights such as water and sanitation are treated as public goods, not opportunities for private profit.
