The resident of Phoenix have reached boiling point and are planning to protest the ever increasing water and electricity bills, poor service delivery, corruption and other burning issues affecting ratepayers in eThekwini.
The picket planned by the Phoenix Civic Federation will take place outside the Phoenix Rent Office on Saturday, 30 April, from 9am to 11am. Speaking to The Phoenix Tabloid, community activist and picket organiser, Vivian Pillay, said they are calling on all Phoenix ratepayers to take a stand and demand what is right from the municipality. “If you as a resident are unhappy and are experiencing high increases in lights and water bills, the current rate increases, poor service delivery, criminal elements, non-operational street lights, pot holes, unkempt parks and open spaces, dumping etc, we appeal to you to support this protest action. It is vitally important for the community to hold hands to ensure that there is vast improvement of the services offered by government services providers including clinics, hospitals, police stations, SASSA and the Phoenix Post Office, to especially uphold the dignity of the poor and elderly citizens.”
Pillay said a memorandum will be delivered to the mayor’s office. The memorandum’s list of demands includes scrapping all outstanding lights and water arrears, simplify utility bills with a concise statement, a flat rate for lights and water for impoverished residents of Phoenix, Metro Police to increase visibility and vigilance in Phoenix, public meetings and hearing for allocated budget in Phoenix, councillors to be accountable for the ward budget and to display professional ethics and behaviour, among other grievances and concerns. He said: “We cannot sit on the touch line and wait for Councillors and government to address our issues as they have failed us. It is time to flex our muscle and use the power that we have to demand social justice and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The Phoenix Civic Federation has been formed to be the umbrella body of all civic organisations, to protect the interest of the residents and ratepayers of Phoenix. Our mission is to enable a better place for people to live and to promote a sustainable partnership with the councillors and relevant municipal departments, schools, religious organisations, sporting bodies, health departments, safety and security and social welfare by formulating and implementing strategies and programmes that will contribute to a better life for all.” Pillay appealed to all organisations who wish to join the peaceful protest with placards and banners to contact 084-605-6163.
