THE peaceful protest scheduled to take place Friday morning, October 4, in Graaff-Reinet, never materialised. Co-organiser, Corene Conradie, made several attempts to obtain legal permission from the SAPS, but the appointment kept getting postponed.
A disappointing number of about 50 protestors showed up at the Robert Sobukwe building on Friday morning.
“Most people who planned to attend the march, were afraid to do so because the necessary permission could not be obtained from town authorities,” said another co-organiser, Samantha Graham–Maré.
Komani-Karoo Express asked protestors who did show up how the water shortage had been affecting them.
“The whole hospitality industry in town is compromised,” said a guest house owner.
“Several people who have booked overnight accommodation for December keep phoning me to check whether we will still be open. Our town’s client base is quickly losing confidence in us, which will ensure serious economic repercussions for all.”
Another protestor strongly felt that the time had come to keep back municipal payments.
“We are paying for air in our taps. The municipality has acknowledged that the air in water pipes make the meters run but they still expect us to pay exorbitant accounts. Why should we pay for ‘water availability’ if our taps are constantly dry?”
Disgruntled residents in Graaff-Reinet said they were no longer satisfied with the explanations they had been receiving from the municipality.
A petition, in which immediate action by BNLM is demanded, is currently in circulation.
The petition demands BNLM to come up with a comprehensive drought plan, and also to solve the several sewage leaks into the Sundays River.
“We plan to hand over the petition to BNLM soon,” said Graham-Maré, who also undertook to share the petition in parliament.
After a subsequent meeting with Mayor Deon de Vos on Friday, Corene Conradie said in a media statement, “Today, Graaff-Reinet Water Crisis and Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality joined hands to work together during this horrible season of drought.
“The water shortage is affecting everyone. Graaff-Reinet Water Crisis is there to assist and reach out to everyone where possible, regardless of political background or race,” Conradie said.
“All councillors are welcome to join hands and assist.”
