The DA welcomes the fact that there are plans in place by SAPS to deal with any possible unrest or vandalism that might take place around Day Zero.
As part of our campaign to ensure preparedness for Day Zero in Nelson Mandela Bay, I raised this issue by way of a question for an oral reply to MEC Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe, last week in the provincial legislature.
Given the recent unrest that broke out in Hankey and Kirkwood, it is essential that SAPS have plans in place to ensure a rapid response and deployment of POPS members from all over the province if necessary.
If thousands of people are expected to queue for water on a daily basis, crowd control becomes essential as frustrations could reach boiling point.
I am deeply concerned with Day Zero upon us. It could lead to possible protests in areas that are without water. Crowd control will then become essential so that there is smooth access to the available resources. At a time like this, the rights of individuals to safe drinking water are paramount and need to be protected.
I am also happy to hear there will be cooperation between metro police, metro security and SAPS. An integrated approach is essential in a time of great crisis.
The metro should assure the public that there will be orderly management of water points with security present.
I will continue to engage with SAPS on this issue as the need arises.
Residents need to be assured that the Democratic Alliance is on your side, in your corner, working hard to put forward solutions in a time of great crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay.