The uMkhonto weSizwe Party in the Ugu region marched to the Ugu District municipal offices in Port Shepstone to hand over a memorandum to the mayor and municipal manager on Tuesday last week.
In the memorandum, the party’s interim regional co-ordinator, Lungani Hlongwa, said they want the municipal leadership to take note of the critical water crisis currently affecting the district.
Hlongwa said in Umzumbe Wards 1, 3 and 7, some areas have been without water for up to 10 years.
He said in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality in Ward 29, the area has had dry taps for seven years.
“In Gcilima Wards 7 and 9, there has not been water for two years. In Betania, Ward 24, the area has been without water for five years. Ugu District Municipality has continued to ignore the numerous complaints by communities,” he said.
Hlongwa added that the Umkhonto weSizwe Party recently researched why the district suffers from water outages.
“In our research, we also found that the water quality, when available, is less than sub-standard. The sometimes muddy and always murky water that the municipality supplies is a health hazard, and we need a clear report on the water purification systems and their maintenance,” he said.
He added that Ugu residents have a right to clean and safe water as stipulated in the South African Constitution.
Hlongwa said the party has recommendations for Ugu.
He said they believe that an immediate assessment needs to be conducted.
Also, he added that this needs to be a thorough assessment with a report of the current water infrastructure and the needs in the affected areas.
“A comprehensive plan should be produced to restore water supply to the affected wards, with clear timelines and accountability measures. There should be engagement with community leaders and residents to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed in the planning and execution phases. An accountability framework for the water projects that clearly outlines the practicality and feasibility of proposed projects should be made available, timelines for start and completion of projects, and cause of water shortages and the quality of water given to the people of this region,” he said.
He added that they require a response from Ugu in 14 days.
Meanwhile, the memorandum was signed and accepted by Ugu’s municipal manager, Vela Mazibuko.
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