Dannhauser residents and business owners are demanding the immediate reconnection of their water supply and a meeting with Amajuba District Municipality over what they describe as widespread and unjustified disconnections.

The Newcastle and District Residents Forum (NDRF), which says it represents affected residents and businesses, has accused the municipality of disconnecting water supplies despite business owners allegedly not receiving monthly accounts.

In a letter to the municipal manager, the forum said businesses were willing to pay for water but had formally requested a meeting to resolve billing concerns.

“If business owners are prepared to pay, but are not receiving their monthly billing/accounts from Amajuba, who is to blame?” the forum asked.

The NDRF described the disconnections as unlawful and inhumane, warning that interruptions could affect essential services.

“Pharmacies cannot mix medication. Clinics cannot function,” the letter stated.

The forum also raised concerns about water quality, arguing that residents and businesses were receiving a substandard service.

It called on the municipality to reconnect affected supplies immediately, meet with Dannhauser business owners, ensure monthly accounts are issued and suspend further disconnections until the billing disputes have been addressed.

The NDRF further argued that disconnections should not take place without proper notice, engagement and alternative arrangements for water supply. These are the forum’s allegations and legal interpretation.

The Courier sent media queries to Amajuba District Municipality seeking comment on the disconnections, billing concerns and water quality.

At the time of going to press, the municipality had not responded. Its response will be published if received.