The African Water Commons Collective (AWCC) is gearing up for an important moment in their fight against water apartheid as they organize a picket outside the last City of Cape Town Council Meeting for 2023. The collective, comprised of water justice organizers and representatives of communities, aims to address the pressing issue of water inequality in both Cape Town and Gaza.
Date and Time: Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 10 am
Location: Cape Town Civic Center
According to a recent study, a staggering 13% of Cape Town’s population utilizes over 51% of the city’s water resources. The remaining 87% faces the harsh realities of water scarcity, exorbitant bills, health issues, and the daily challenges of fetching water from distant taps. These struggles persist despite the community’s vocal objections during the city’s call for public opinion on the proposed water policy in 2021.
The AWCC refuses to let another year pass without addressing the consequences of the new drip system, which disproportionately affects the economically disadvantaged. As the year-end approaches, the collective declares there will be no festive season for the 87% experiencing water hardships.
Both inside and outside the City Council meeting on December 7, 2023, the AWCC will voice their demands. An open letter has been penned to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien, and Mayco Member for Human Settlements Carl Pophaim. The letter outlines ten demands that must be addressed before any semblance of Christmas can be celebrated.
To learn more about the African Water Commons Collective’s mission and the specific demands outlined in their open letter, please send email to the contact address of this website.