Officials booed
eSikhaleni residents express outrage
CITY officials were shouted down by angry ratepayers at a heated meeting held in eSikhaleni on Tuesday morning.
What was meant to be a platform giving City of uMhlathuze officials an opportunity to respond to a number of issues facing residents, instead became a battlefield of words that created even more dissatisfaction.
Hundreds of residents filled the Hlanganani Community Hall to get answers after a signed petition and a memorandum with a list of their concerns were handed over to the city last month.
Among issues raised by homeowners was a general lack of service delivery.
Their concerns included rates increases, high water bills, an unreliable water supply scheme as well as frequent power and water outages.
‘Having water and electricity taken away without prior notice is such a huge inconvenience.
‘A lot of people have been working from home during lockdown and some who are running businesses have experienced unexpected shortage of water.
‘Water is a basic necessity and it’s unfair for residents to pay their rates without getting excellent service delivery,’ stated the online petition.
Lack of communication between the city and residents was also labelled a major concern.
Even though residents had arrived willing to accept answers, the day started shakily and deteriorated even further as officials attempted to pacify the large group.
They began booing Speaker Cllr Slondile Mkhize at the podium and demanded she stop her address.
While attempting to explain how the finance department works, spokesperson Thokozani Gumede was also heckled.
Residents regularly interrupted speakers’ addresses, demanding straight answers.
‘All we want are answers to our problems, not general explanations on how departments work.
‘Our rates are high with no explanations and some of the work that started within the township hasn’t been finished. We want answers on these specific issues and how we move forward,’ said resident Malusi Ndaba.
Homeowner, Christian Mdletshe addressed the masses and implored the municipality to take residents’ issues seriously before the situation escalated.
Other residents urged the city to reduce or cut property rates and improve service delivery and communication.
Even though there was no violence, emotions flared up and resulted in the meeting being called off and rescheduled for next Tuesday.
Residents demanded that Mayor Cllr Mdu Mhlongo be present then to attend to their issues.
However, the city’s Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane said management and the political leadership will have further discussion with the delegation from eSikhaleni.
We don’t have water and we want to know why