Bridge the Gap

Welcome home, Tata Madiba

In the past week I have received several complaints from residents regarding their water meters and municipal water accounts.

It seems that we were able to address all issues surrounding electricity, electricity meter readings and electrical billing problems, but now water is the new buzzword.

Various residents have a host of complaints ranging from leaking pipes to interim readings on their water bill.

I feel a sense of déjà vu in dealing with this problem. It closely resembles the issues we faced on electricity not too long ago.

Water is, however, such a precious natural resource that we collectively understand the need for responsible consumption of water and the conservation of water. In the same light as electricity, residents deserve accurate billing of their water usage.

I have taken note of the various complaints and I am undertaking an investigation into the root cause of the problems residents referred to me. I undertake to give feedback in next week’s “Bridge the Gap”.

This week I am excited that Nelson Mandela was able to return to his home in Houghton.

The whole of South Africa has held its breath since the end of May when Tata Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital. My children have prayed for Tata Madiba every night and they were overcome with joy when I told them that Tata is back home.

I remembered these inspirational words of Nelson Mandela that I read in his book A Long Walk to Freedom; “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

As a nation we are privileged that Tata’s long walk is still continuing.

Let’s bridge the gap of building a united, democratic society where there is social cohesion and mutual respect for all.

For more information on how to be water-wise please visit www.ekurhuleni.com or e-mail me directly Diamond.Neil@ekurhuleni.gov.za