Faizel Patel – 11/12/2020

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

Residents of Roshnee and Dadaville near Vereeniging say water has been restored to the suburb.

The area has experienced exacerbated water shortages for almost two weeks following a reduction of supply to the Emfuleni Local Municipality by Rand Water.

In a statement, spokesperson for the residents Yusuf Sater says the Emfuleni Local Municipality is under administration and the water cut was part of Rand Water Boards credit management process, at the detriment to the local community that have been severely penalized for ELMs non-payments

Sater says water was restored  following legal intervention by the Roshnee Legal Counsel.

“This could not have been achieved without the support of the community as they have once again came to our rescue with financial support, provision of water and moral support. Without mentioning any names, I extend my gratitude to the everyone that provided support to the team one way or the other – jazakallah khair and thank you to all.”

Earlier, Residents of Dadaville, Sebokeng and Palm Springs among other areas in the Vaal, told Radio Islam, the Emfuleni Municipality had let them down by failing to provide adequate basic services including water.

Dr. Fatima Mohammed says she spent twenty thousand rand for a Jojo tank to store water because their taps ran dry and the municipality failed to dispatch trucks to provide water for residents.

“Water is basic human right and I can’t understand how you can cut off water from paying citizens. It’s downright wrong.”

Sebokeng resident Thabiso Serati says the Emfuleni Municipality including the mayor Gift Moerane had been seriously lacking in providing updates to residents about service delivery issues.

“He is the leader of the community. He’s elected by the community. He supposed to be talking to the community and if there are problems within the municipality, he’s the one as head of the institution to unpack this to the community so they understand what is happening.”

While the Emfuleni Municipality allegedly failed various areas, the Roshnee Neighbourhood Watch (RNW) assisted many residents affected by the water crisis.

The RNW’s Muhammad Ravat says the Roshnee community rallied to assist those affected by the water crisis.

“The neighbourhood watch has put out a lot of WhatsApps and a lot of messages especially to the elderly and that they’ve been taking water to them, they’ve been moving around. They’ve been helping a lot especially that are working late and coming late  at home and night there is no time  for people to go out where the boreholes are. So Alhamdulillah, I must say  the neighbourhood watch has been doing an excellent job.”

Radio Islam engaged with officials of the Emfuleni Municipality with officials saying they would be more forthcoming with updates on service delivery in the future.

Listen to the report by Radio Islam International