Some communities have been without clean, drinkable water for months, while others have faced this issue for the past few weeks.
The Department of Water and Sanitation confirmed that water was released to the Newcastle Municipality (Amajuba District).
The blame cannot be attributed to environmental factors, such as a lack of rain, but rather to the Newcastle Municipality and Uthukela Water. Newcastle is losing 45% of its water supply due to leaks, broken water pipes, and unqualified service providers contracted by the municipality.
The Community hereby demands the following:
1. The Newcastle Municipality must restore the water supply to Newcastle East and West within 48 hours.
2. The Newcastle Municipality must confirm how the reservoirs ran dry without implementing a continuous water management plan.
3. The Newcastle Municipality must establish a 24-hour Crisis Desk with a dedicated phone number where water losses can be reported, along with a commitment to complete repairs within 24 hours.
4. The Newcastle Municipality must provide water tankers to all affected areas immediately.
5. The Newcastle Municipality leadership must take full responsibility for this crisis and resolve it within 48 hours.
We, the undersigned, hereby agree to these demands and sign this petition without fear or prejudice.
The Municipality has 48 hours to resolve the issue, failing which the Community of Newcastle East and West will take action against the leadership of the Newcastle Municipality and Uthukela Water.
This is our constitutional right:
The South African Constitution states that everyone has the right to access an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. This includes a constant supply of clean, safe drinking water. Consumers are entitled to raise concerns about the quality and availability of their drinking water.