AfriForum demands reconnection of water supply to Margate complex after unlawful disconnection

A cancer patient and several elderly residents of a residential complex in Margate have been left without water for three weeks after the Ugu District Municipality unlawfully disconnected the complex’s water supply. AfriForum describes the Municipality’s actions as a violation of Section 27 of the Constitution and insists that the water supply to the complex in Leonard Street be urgently restored. Section 27 of the Constitution stipulates that everyone is entitled to water.

The water supply to all nine units in the Leonard Street complex was cut off due to the outstanding debt of a single resident. The outstanding debt for the unit in question reportedly currently amounts to approximately R173 000. The municipal accounts for the other eight units are all fully paid-up.

The consequences of the Municipality’s actions have a severe impact on the complex’s residents, who are now exposed to unsanitary conditions. Some residents have already reported developing diarrhoea as a result.

In a letter sent to the Municipality today, AfriForum insists that the water supply be restored without delay and that a lawful and appropriate debt collection process be followed to recover the outstanding debt. The civil rights organisation further requests that the Municipality enter into a reasonable repayment agreement with the responsible party or, where applicable, the complex’s governing body, rather than depriving all residents of an essential service.

According to Jaco Grobbelaar, AfriForum’s Head for the Central Region, municipalities have a responsibility to provide essential services – such as water – in a fair and accountable manner while protecting the interests of vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and those with serious medical conditions.

“Access to clean water is not a luxury but a basic necessity that directly affects people’s health, human dignity, and quality of life. Residents who faithfully pay their municipal accounts should not be punished for the non-payment of other residents,” he concludes.

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