Statement by Dean Macpherson MP – DA KZN Chairperson:
Residents of eThekwini will remember that the ANC-led municipality, supported by the EFF and IFP, took the Democratic Alliance to court over our billboard stating that the City has the power to stop the water tanker mafia.
The Mayor, City Manager and Water & Sanitation Executive took exception to our message and decided to challenge us in court. The court’s finding affirmed our right to express our views on an issue that is devastating communities across eThekwini.
What is extraordinary is that they could find money to take the DA to court but seemingly cannot find the resources to address the city’s 13,000 reported water leaks a day.
They can find money for litigation, but the city’s wastewater infrastructure continues to pollute our rivers and contribute to beach closures. Just this past week, concerns have again been raised about the city’s ability to maintain the standards required for Blue Flag beach status.
This raises a fundamental question: why is the city spending resources fighting the DA over a billboard instead of focusing on the water crisis affecting its residents?
If these officials are unwilling or unable to tackle the water tanker mafia, then residents must take matters into their own hands through the ballot box.
That is why our new billboard carries a clear message: YOU THE RESIDENTS OF ETHEKWINI, ARE NOW THE LAST LINE OF DEFENCE.
The Mayor, the City Manager and the political parties that have supported the ANC in governing this city have failed to give residents the answers and action they deserve. The responsibility now rests with the people of eThekwini to decide the future of their city.
The DA is making a commitment to residents that, if elected to govern eThekwini with Haniff Hoosen as Mayor, we will pursue those involved in the water tanker mafia and work to end the system that leaves communities dependent on water tankers while basic infrastructure deteriorates.
We will prioritise repairing the city’s water leaks, restoring failing infrastructure and redirecting resources towards fixing the problems rather than allowing the city’s dependence on water tankers to continue.
Our promise is to get eThekwini working for all.
We will not give up on the residents of this city. The mayor may have given up on you, and the city manager may have given up on you, but the DA and Haniff Hoosen will not.
On 4 November, residents will have the opportunity to make their voices heard. We encourage residents to participate in the democratic process and make an informed choice at the polls.
Voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm.
THE DA’S MESSAGE IS CLEAR: THE FUTURE OF ETHEKWINI BELONGS TO ITS RESIDENTS, AND ACCOUNTABILITY MUST BEGIN WITH THOSE ENTRUSTED TO GOVERN THE CITY.
Pietersen’s Pride