The DA is concerned by the reports of violent protests in places such Hammersdale, Umgababa, Mariannhill, Verulam and Bhamshela. These protests are believed to be related to the ongoing water and electricity outages which some residents have experienced for almost two weeks. Equally concerning is that Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda is no-where to be seen.
It is a fact that many residents in eThekwini are still without electricity and water as the infrastructure was heavily damaged by the floods. The failure to restore these crucial services is beginning to frustrate residents and as a result is leading to anger on the streets.
As the first citizen and elected official, the mayor has a responsibility to the people to give them some explanation on this ongoing crisis and a timeline for water and electricity to be restored. At the very least, a contingency plan should be announced.
The seemingly missing Mayor Kaunda will no doubt frustrate residents even more as it becomes clear that the city is on autopilot and not functioning.
The Democratic Alliance in eThekwini believes that Mayor Kaunda must take full responsibility for the protests starting to erupt in parts of the city.
The reality is that the municipality has been without a leader while DA councillors have absorbed the pressure and dealt with frustrated residents. It’s time that the mayor takes responsibility for the city’s inability to restore water and electricity to the people.
The public deserves to know where the mayor is during this crisis.