Fed-up residents take to the streets
Residents say they want water not excuses!
Around 60 residents gathered at Trim Park this morning (October 26) to take part in a peaceful march to protest against the ongoing water crisis in Newcastle West.
Residents from all across Newcastle West – including Sunnyridge, Ncandu Park and Hutten Heights – got together for one common purpose; they want water, not excuses.
Various political heads also joined the apolitical protest, proving that everyone can work together when it counts.
Memorandum handed over at showgrounds
Newcastle Growth Coalition’s Johan Pieters, together with Shawn Vermaak and Marilize Greyvenstein, addressed the fed-up residents at Trim Park. The group then headed down Allen Street, onto Hardwick Street and into the showgrounds, where they were met by Newcastle Deputy Mayor Andile Nkosi and Council Speaker Thengi Zulu. The deputy mayor and speaker accepted a memorandum on behalf of the municipality.
Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube allegedly had other commitments and could not receive the memorandum himself. This sparked outrage among the residents, who felt offended that the mayor could not address the crowd himself, complaining that he didn’t care about the people of Newcastle.
Pieters went on to address the municipal representatives and read the memorandum out loud, which consists of 180 pages.
These pages include signatures of residents who signed the water crisis petition last week and over 2000 comments from residents who have had enough.
“The continued disruption of water services places an unacceptable burden on households, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and other institutions that depend on a consistent water supply,” he said.
The forum gave the municipality 48 hours to respond in writing, setting out the immediate interventions, responsible authorities and proposed timeframes.
Dr Imran Keeka, Member of the KZN Legislature and resident of Newcastle, said he welcomed the march that took place.
“Active citizenry, fighting for one’s right to access water and other services in the presence of immense municipal accounts, can’t be ignored by those who lead the municipality; they are obliged to respond and respond they must,” he concluded.
Pick up a copy of this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser for more on the story.
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