Water cuts spark protest in Chatsworth

Residents in Chatsworth, frustrated over the lack of communication from the eThekwini Municipality regarding ongoing water cuts, protested on Monday night to have their voices heard.

Mo Sheik, 85, who has been living in Moorton since 1970, joined the protest.

“We have had no water for seven days. This morning the water returned for two hours from 5am. As a result of the erratic supply, we are forced to store water and cut down our usage for washing, cleaning and bathing. We are now leading unhealthy lives.

"The elderly and sick, who cannot carry water, suffer the most. To make matters worse, we haven't seen a water tanker for seven days. We have to buy drinking water. I'm a pensioner and the costs are high. I am fortunate to live with my daughter, but others are struggling."

He added: “This household is still paying its bills. We are paying for things we are not getting, which, in my opinion, is illegal and a crime against humanity. As a community we go on peaceful protests and do not destroy anything, but we are told what we are doing is illegal.

"Are the authorities doing the legal thing, by taking our money, and not providing the services and letting the elderly and sick people suffer?”

Vasu Chetty, who also protested, said the protest in Moorton, was convened by the residents.

“The affected areas are Moorton, Montford, Arena Park, Welbedacht and Shallcross. Since December, we have had water cuts in the afternoons, and this escalated to water cuts every night from 7pm to 5am or 7am.

“Five litre containers have become like ornaments in our houses. The severity of water cuts are intolerable. Residents don't want to protest and shout on the road, but because they have no feedback from the municipality and the councillor, they are forced to protest."

The eThekwini Municipality had not commented at the time of publication.

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