EDITOR: Last week on Wednesday morning we woke to discover there was no water in Sylvia Road, Freeland Park. All morning I phoned every number I could find for Ugu District Municipality, yet not a single call was answered by either the Port Shepstone or Park Rynie numbers.
In desperation, I drove to the Ugu Water Department offices in Park Rynie. On entering the reception area, I was confronted with four employees, one lying on the reception couch, all inseparably attached to their cellphones, no one could help or was even prepared to try and help. Their cellphones were never put down while I was there. Surely they have a number to phone to find out what the problem is? Private cellphones should be out of bounds during office hours. I left the offices in total despair.
Outside the offices I noticed one of the emergency vans returning, a ray of hope, maybe they had been fixing the problem. Upon asking the employees if they knew of the problem I was told no they did not, but if I waited a few minutes they would find out more for me. A few minutes later they were back, but with no answer. Their attitude and work ethic caught me by surprise as I was told to please drive home as they would follow me and see what the problem was – wow! Arriving home with the two men, Logan and Thobela following, I showed them the non-flowing taps.
These two very cheerful men told me not to worry as there would be water before I went to sleep that night. Off they went opening manholes in the street and then up to the water tower – not an hour later the water started flowing and Logan and Thobela were back at my gate with big smiles checking all was sorted out.
Wow, imagine if the municipality was filled with Logans and Thobelas – we would be in paradise! Imagine if the government was filled with these guys, we would be in heaven!
To the reception office at Ugu Water Department, Park Rynie, you guys are a disgrace. To Logan and Thobela, thank you for saving the day. Keep up the good work and great attitude.
PS: Why were all the outside floodlights on in daylight while this country battles with load-shedding?
DAVID LOWE
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
