Claims of selective water delivery refuted
THE uMkhanyakude District Municipality has urged anyone with evidence that its water tankers employees only supply
ANC members with water, to come forward.
The plea was made by district Communications Manager, Mdu Dlamini, following a protest march last Wednesday about water issues.
Dlamini stressed that the municipality’s mandate was to supply water to the entire community.
‘We service the community, not only people affiliated to certain political parties. If these allegations are true, the community should provide us with evidence so that necessary steps can be taken against individuals involved,’ Dlamini said.
Mtubatuba Ward 11 Councillor, Zakhele Nyawo, said he had a meeting with residents of his ward in December, where a resolution was taken to invite district Mayor, Solomon Mkhombo, to address the community on the matter.
‘The problem is that the mayor twice failed to respond to our invitation. On a third occasion he sent an ANC official to apologise to the community for not attending the planned meetings,’ Nyawo said.
‘The person was clueless and was not even a council member. The community became angry and wanted to vent their frustrations by blocking the road.
‘I advised them not to do so, but to rather follow the correct channels to air their grievances.’
Nyawo said that the community was concerned about the water tanker drivers, who were allegedly providing ANC supporters with water and excluding other community members.
‘In fact, it came to our attention that last year a directive was given to water tanker drivers to supply water only to
ANC wards. The community wanted to get clarity from the mayor about this.
‘We are happy that the mayor promised that within 22 days all water challenges would be resolved, as well as ensuring that water tankers supply the entire community,’ said Nyawo.
Dlamini said the mayor had visited wards 10, 11 and 12 in Mtubatuba to address the water crisis.
‘Last year a private contractor appointed to deliver water services in Mtubatuba encountered challenges as some community members chased him away.
‘But he is still working there, doing his best under difficult conditions,’ said Dlamini..