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Irate Ezakheni residents blocked off all entrances and exits to the township on Tuesday, 3 May 2022. Protestors voiced their anger regarding the water outages that impacted them for several days.
In response, the Alfred Duma (Ladysmith) Municipality stressed that the action taken by the residents was illegal, as it had not been approved in terms of the provisions of the Regulation of Gatherings Act No. 205 of 1993.
However, with the protest action impacting both the business and education sector, uThukela District Municipality’s Mayor, Cllr Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala, with a delegation from the municipality met with representatives of the protest on Wednesday, 4 May 2022, to find resolutions.
Cllr Shabalala explained that the recent rainfalls and subsequent flooding have negatively impacted the water supply system, being the primary reason for the current situation.
Malicious acts from certain residents are also allegedly a contributing factor to the problem.
The Mayor explained, “We have technical experts working tirelessly to get the issue of water shortages resolved, but it is of a major concern that whilst we are getting systems in working order, other people use this period to intentionally vandalise the same infrastructure that will see them getting this essential need. As it is, we have four reported water pipes vandalised.”
Cllr Shabalala further urged community members to refrain from engaging in acts of misconduct as it delays service delivery to the people.
With the Municipality now working on the problem, what are your thoughts?
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