Community members from Ward 10, 13, 20 and 22 have expressed strong dissatisfaction after uThukela District Municipality announced a public consultation meeting regarding the implementation of the new water meters.

The municipality’s communications department issued the notice yesterday evening (October 27), informing residents that a meeting would take place today at the Civic Hall. The short notice sparked outrage among community members, who argued that many residents were not given enough time to prepare and that no transport arrangements had been made for those without access to vehicles.

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Following the backlash, uThukela has rescheduled the meeting for tomorrow (October 29) at 18:00, to be held at the same venue.

Ward councillors from all the affected wards have distanced themselves from the meeting, accusing the district municipality of violating prior agreements. According to the councillors, uThukela had committed during a meeting held on October 21 at the Disaster Centre to provide at least five days’ notice before any public consultation would take place.

Ward 20 Councillor Abbas Warasally voiced his frustration over the municipality’s handling of the issue:

“This was not the agreement at our meeting on October 21 with the affected ward councillors. Unless uThukela complies with the five-day notice period we agreed upon, my constituents and I will not take part in this so-called ‘community engagement’,” said a visibly angered Warasally.

Warasally further cited Section 21 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000, which outlines proper procedures for community communication. The Act stipulates that:

• Municipalities must notify communities through local or regional newspapers or radio stations covering the area.

• Notices must be published in the official languages most commonly used in the community.

• Copies of public notices must be displayed at municipal offices.

• If the municipality invites public comment, it must ensure that staff are available to assist residents who cannot write, by transcribing their input during office hours.

Residents are now calling on uThukela District Municipality to adhere to proper communication protocols and ensure genuine public participation before proceeding with the controversial prepaid water meter project.

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