Hlobane residents ‘take the high road’
Hlobane residents have succumbed to ‘taking the moral high road’ and decided to desist from using water as leverage in their ongoing battle with the municipality.
Estella Naicker
Hlobane residents have succumbed to ‘taking the moral high road’ and decided to desist from using water as leverage in their ongoing battle with the municipality.
This decision was taken after water tanker drivers were asked to lay formal complaints at the police station about being intimidated. For weeks, the tankers, which supply water to the hospital, prison and rural areas, were denied access to the Hlobane dam and drivers didn’t dare force their way through for fear of violent attack.
With witness statements in hand, arrests were imminent and it became likely that residents of Hlobane would have to answer for their actions in a criminal court if they persisted.
“We have decided that we must not let our people suffer because of our problem with the municipality. People were suffering but the municipality seems not to care,” said a representative of the Hlobane residents who asked not to be named. “Instead of denying the people water, we have decided to write letters to the provincial government in order to have our issues addressed.”
Hlobane station commander, Captain JB Mncwango, said he had contacted the Hlobane residents and advised them to forward their grievances to the provincial government. “We don’t expect any more water disruptions from the Hlobane residents, but I am aware that they might be planning protest action,” he warned.
Robin Glen from Meadow Meats is grateful that he is now able to access water from Hlobane Dam. 260 members of staff at Meadow Meat rely on access to clean water for their livelihood. “I want to thank the mayor and the municipal manager for ensuring that the tanker drivers gave their statements to the police. However, we are also investigating other sources of water in case we run into trouble again,” said Mr Glen.
Hlobane Dam foreman, Dave Drysdale, said he was, “very happy that the issue has been resolved.”
“I know the water in my dam is not going to last and I am concerned for the long run, but at least I know that some water is being supplied in Vryheid and the outlying areas for now,” he concluded.
