Protest action erupted along the R616 arterial road between Bergville and Ladysmith in January 2023. Irate residents from Acton Holmes outside Bergville were demanding that their water supply be returned. Yet, were receiving no joy from the local municipality.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) uThukela Chairperson, Councillor Thys Janse van Rensburg explained that during the January heatwave, hundreds of homes pleaded with uThukela to repair the damaged pump room and restore their water supply.
These pleas apparently fell on deaf ears, with little being done to address the situation.
After many weeks of begging and in sheer desperation, the community started barricading the R616 arterial road between Bergville and Ladysmith.
“This unfortunate situation forced hundreds of daily commuters to take the longer alternative route via Winterton,” said Cllr Janse van Rensburg.
However, it seems the situation has now been remedied thanks to Bergville farmers deciding that they would assist the community.
Cllr Janse van Rensburg said, “Plans were hatched, equipment and supplies sourced, and after digging trenches and laying pipes, the community could rejoice as the water was restored.”
With the farmers recently having restored the community’s water supply, Cllr Janse van Rensburg said that the DA thanked these hard-working South Africans for stepping up and assisting each other during times of need.
“When a newly elected government like the IFP in uThukela decides to forget those who voted them into power, it’s a welcome relief to see that it is the spirit of Ubuntu in our people that will take South Africa forward,” he concluded.
What are your thoughts on the above-mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
Thanks to the farmers once again for sorting out the water we don’t appreciate you guys enough
Farmers are hardworking people. They know what it’s like to not have water for their livestock during drought seasons. That’s why they are always willing to help. God Bless the farmers