KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala denies water hoarding relief tanker meant for La Mercy community [Watch]
This allegedly occurred within metres of a community hall and mosque where La Mercy residents have been camping after losing their homes.
The La Mercy Civic and Ratepayers Association (LMRCA) has accused KZN premier Sihle Zikalala of hoarding crucial drinking water destined for the community.
Zikalala’s office has strongly disputed the accusations, calling them “fake claims of favourism”, a “false narrative” and “blatant propaganda uncalled-for, mischievous and malicious.”
Following last week’s floods, La Mercy has been without water since last Monday.
According to LMRCA chairman, Ravi Ramsundar, a water tanker which he claims was the first to arrive in the community on Friday only, went straight to Zikalala’s La Mercy home.
“In full view of all those present, the water tanker proceeded to the home of the premier, after which the driver offloaded the entire tanker’s contents for the exclusive use of the premier’s home. When queried, the driver said the water tanker was destined for Tongaat but that it was rerouted to the premier’s home,” said Ramsundar.
“It took place while there were people lining up at the mosque for water. The mosque currently offers a borehole facility to its residents to assist with water supply,” he said.
Residents took a video of the tanker which had been widely circulated, forcing the premier to respond.
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“What that video does not show or fails to mention is that I was approached by members of the community who had been struggling due to a shortage of water as a result of the floods.
“We did eventually receive a response and the tanker came to the area. The video fails to mention that the tanker actually provided water to the local residents and supplied many of them with much-needed water before also filling at my home,” he said.
Zikalala claimed the video had been digitally manipulated.
Ramsundar strongly denied this version of events.
“This is factually incorrect as LMRCA members and several informal dwellers who were resident at the community hall proceeded to the truck for water and were advised that the water was for Sihle only.”
Ramsundar further indicated that the premier provided food to the hall 2 days later in what he described a publicity stunt.
“They were accompanied by a media team who took photographs of them handing food to the unfortunate victims of the flood. Several of the victims were asked to pose for photographs.
“They left as quickly as they arrived. We find this kind of conduct a disgrace and is nothing short of being tone deaf to a community and a province that is desperate for assistance,” Ramsunder said.
La Mercy residents in some areas continue to have no water.
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