oThongathi residents have reached a boiling point with their water issues and have decided to take matters into their own hands after Belvedere and Belgate were left with no water for days.
A message was sent to residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to take a stand and fight for their basic rights by withholding payments of utility bills, including electricity and water.
The message read: "The lack of access to this basic necessity has become unbearable, especially during the hot and humid weather. It's time for us to take a stand and demand action from the eThekwini Municipality.
“Our proposed course of action is to withhold payment of all utilities, including water, electricity, rates, and other charges, until the municipality addresses the water crisis and provides reliable services.”
In the message, the sender said the proposal may seem drastic but they felt it was the best way to take a stance against the municipality.
“The eThekwini Municipality's lack of accountability and failure to deliver basic services have left us with no choice. We will not be intimidated by the municipal legal team's threats.
Let's stand together and demand better,” read the message.
The origins of the message is still unknown but Krishna Reddy, the chairman of the Tongaat Civic Association, said he understood the sentiment behind the message.
“I think now the people have had just about too much. Belvedere and Belgate still have no water. Other areas are on and off. Apparently they are filling up the reservoir. This is the story with all reservoirs. It is becoming irritating hearing the same things over and over,” said Reddy.
He said the proposal to withhold utility bills had pros and cons.
"To get the attention of the municipality will be beneficial but the downside is that not all residents will be for this for various reasons."