Call for unity at planned water crisis march
A peaceful march is planned for June 10, starting at Princess Park from 09:00 for 09:30am
A call is being made for a show of total solidarity in an effort to place emphasis on the poor service delivery from uThukela District Municipality, which has resulted in frequent water interruptions.
The newly formed Estcourt Water Works Committee, comprising of locals that have been affected by the water cuts and have stepped in to take action, will be hosting a mass, peaceful march on Saturday (June 10). The decision to plan a march was taken at a community meeting on May 13 where frustrated residents agreed that water service provider uThukela District Municipality must be held accountable and answerable for the poor service being rendered to residents in and around Estcourt.
READ MORE: Mass action planned to end water crisis
Residents and business owners from all wards are requested to be part of Saturday’s march, which will start at Princess Park from 09:00 for 09:30.
Residents, bearing banners and placards voicing their dissatisfaction at the water interruptions, will march up Harding Street and into Victoria Street to Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality where arrangements have been made to meet an official to hand over a memorandum.
Criticising the water cuts that occur at random and without notice, the memorandum also accuses the district municipality of being in breach of contract for receiving payment for services that are not being delivered as well as going against the Municipal Systems and Structures Act.
“The water cut-offs are also in breach of our constitutional rights. We are especially concerned for the elderly, sick, schools that are forced to close and those that are not privileged to have a Jojo tank. uThukela District Municipality has no commitment or sense of urgency. Repairs take too long, they fail to give feedback or notice about water cuts and it’s always the same valve or same pipe that bursts. It is insane to do the same thing and expect a different result,” said the committee.
Estcourt Water Works Committee that is acting on behalf of the community comprises of Jenny Ramwater (chairperson), Faeez Mahomed (deputy chairperson0, Ajay Sewbran (head marshal), Arvana Rambaran (deputy head marshal), Priyanka Ramnand (marshal) and Desigan Pillay and Sinoxolo Ndumo as legal consultants. If you require further information or would like to get involved in Saturday’s planned march, please call Jenny on 074 695 3625 or Faeez on 084 581 0513.
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