Fed-up residents have again taken to the streets in reaction to the ongoing water crisis in Heidelberg.
A group of residents marched to the Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM) buildings on HF Verwoerd Street on October 18.
This march follows a previous one a few weeks ago when they gave a memorandum to LLM Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi.
“Since the previous march, we have not heard anything from the municipality,” said the spokesperson for the protesting group, Anita Gerber.
“Now it is over 60 days without water, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
“It is time for the residents and community to take a stand against the LLM and Rand Water.”
The group gathered in the parking area of a local shopping centre before setting out on the march.
“We want water. It’s our human right. We want answers, and we want the truth,” they chanted.
“The water crisis is a major concern and a health and safety risk in Heidelberg,” Gerber said.
“We need water-shifting schedules to be made available to the community.
“That way, everyone will know when whoever is getting water and plan accordingly.
“It is our right to have basic services like water. It costs us residents large sums to get water for basic needs that LLM is supposed to supply us.
“We need water equality so that everyone gets treated fairly.”
LLM speaker Clr Phindi Mpemvu accepted the memorandum on behalf of the mayor.
She addressed the crowd but could barely be heard above the shouting protesters who would not allow her to speak.
Residents asked several questions, wanting to know who is to blame for the water crisis in Heidelberg and what the municipality is doing to sort out the problem.
They said they do not want lip service but action. They also want to know the costs of deploying water tankers and who pays for it.
Residents said they pay for a service they do not receive and want answers about what is happening to rectify this.
Mpemvu said, “I am accepting the memorandum on the mayor’s behalf and will get LLM officials to respond as soon as possible.”
In conclusion, Gerber said, “The residents and community must put pressure on LLM and start to take a stand until we get answers.”
