MCF councillor Lena May taking a stand during the meeting. Photo: Kamvalethu Mzayiya
By Kamvalethu Mzayiya – this post first appeared on Grocott’s Mail
IN SUMMARY – Event: Community meeting organised by the Makana Citizens Front (MCF) at City Hall, Makhanda, addressing the town’s ongoing water crisis.
Key Speakers:
- Lena May: MCF councillor who emphasized the need for better service delivery. “We need service delivery.”
- Lungile Mxube: Head of the MCF, who addressed issues related to corruption, water, and sanitation.
- Expressed concern over the potential for a cholera outbreak if water issues are not resolved.
- Highlighted the degradation of living conditions, particularly in Scott’s Farm, where residents still use the bucket system.
- Pointed out municipal failures in:
- Ward 3: Described as having “sewer rot.”
- Ward 4: Damaged pipes.
- Ward 5: Sewage outbreaks.
- Referred to City Hall as a “Den of Thieves,” accusing officials of misusing resources rather than planning solutions.
Community Concerns: Fiona Semple, a resident of Ward 8, questioned how the municipality was planning to address the water crisis.
Closing Remarks: Mfundo Tsili, a respected member of the Neighbourhood Watch, gave a symbolic warning about the town’s future if the issues remain unresolved. “When the ship hits a rock, it will sink. The question is where is the boat that will take people and save their lives?”
Outcome: The agreement is to hold a workshop by the end of October to train new civic leaders for the community.
