As we embarked on our first water infrastructure tour in the Ugu District Municipality to assess the dire water situation that has affected residents for years, our inspection of water infrastructure was intended to provide insights into the persistent water shortages experienced by the community.
Unfortunately, our efforts were met with obstruction as municipal officials blocked our access to crucial sites, including sewer pump stations and water treatment plants. Throughout the tour, we were closely followed by municipal officials and members of the South African Police Service as we moved from one inspection to the other.
We are deeply concerned by the actions of the municipal officials and question their motives for preventing our access. What are they attempting to conceal from the public eye? What is the true condition of the infrastructure within these plants?
To make matters worse, upon our arrival at Bobhoyi Water Works, security guards and municipal officials physically blocked our entrance with a vehicle, preventing us from further examination.
The vehicle was positioned in an area where a gate should have been installed, but none existed. This highlights the infrastructure challenges, particularly the absence of a gate at the water works, posing security risks for infrastructure.
It’s disappointing that the municipality chooses to block our oversight efforts.
We are not the villains. Our aim is to assist Ugu residents and address these challenges, as they are the ones forced to live under such harsh conditions with little to no access to clean water. The municipality should work hand-in-hand with us to assist residents instead of blocking us.
We remain resolute in our commitment to uncovering the truth behind the water crisis in the Ugu District and holding accountable those responsible for its resolution, no matter the number of municipal officials they send to block us from uncovering the truth.
Despite protestations by the eThekwini Municipality, our tour will continue on tomorrow in service of the metro’s residents.
Ugu District Officials Hiding the Truth About Intractable Water Woes
As we embarked on our first water infrastructure tour in the Ugu District Municipality to assess the dire water situation that has affected residents for years, our inspection of water infrastructure was intended to provide insights into the persistent water shortages experienced by the community.
Unfortunately, our efforts were met with obstruction as municipal officials blocked our access to crucial sites, including sewer pump stations and water treatment plants. Throughout the tour, we were closely followed by municipal officials and members of the South African Police Service as we moved from one inspection to the other.
We are deeply concerned by the actions of the municipal officials and question their motives for preventing our access. What are they attempting to conceal from the public eye? What is the true condition of the infrastructure within these plants?
To make matters worse, upon our arrival at Bobhoyi Water Works, security guards and municipal officials physically blocked our entrance with a vehicle, preventing us from further examination.
The vehicle was positioned in an area where a gate should have been installed, but none existed. This highlights the infrastructure challenges, particularly the absence of a gate at the water works, posing security risks for infrastructure.
It’s disappointing that the municipality chooses to block our oversight efforts.
We are not the villains. Our aim is to assist Ugu residents and address these challenges, as they are the ones forced to live under such harsh conditions with little to no access to clean water. The municipality should work hand-in-hand with us to assist residents instead of blocking us.
We remain resolute in our commitment to uncovering the truth behind the water crisis in the Ugu District and holding accountable those responsible for its resolution, no matter the number of municipal officials they send to block us from uncovering the truth.
Despite protestations by the eThekwini Municipality, our tour will continue on tomorrow in service of the metro’s residents.