Residents of the Waterworks informal settlement in Westonaria were up in arms and staged a massive strike on 11 July over the apparent lack of service delivery in the area and empty promises made by the Westonaria Local Municipality (WLM).
They marched to the municipal building to confront Westonaria Executive Mayor Nonkoliso Tundzi, and to hand over a memorandum of their demands.
According to residents, they have had enough of having to wait for basic service delivery.
“We are fed up with empty promises and we have been waiting for houses for some years now,” says one resident.
“The council is all talk but no action and we are saying enough is enough.”
According to Cope PR Councilor Desmond Ndzipho, it is ridiculous that residents are, in this day and age, subjected to living in inhumane conditions.
“I believe that our government has failed its people.
“We are still at a point where more than ten households make use of one toilet.
“The entire community still does not have electricity or adequate water supply.
“This despite all the promises made by the municipality in 2009,” says Ndzipho.
He adds that these are some of the issues that need to be dealt with and urges residents not to back down on their demands.
“At no point must people sit back and accept these living conditions when they have been promised a decent life by the government.
“It is your right to have access to these things.
“It is right and just that you demand that they be delivered to you.”
The Herald has contacted Westonaria Municipal spokesperson Kgabane Madiehe who says that he will revert back with comment.
