An interesting event is taking place this Thursday at the Centre for the Book in Cape Town. Jackie Dugard of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies will discuss the legal arguments put forward to the High Court in the recent case about water meters in Phiri, Soweto and the implications of the Court’s landmark judgement. The court found the installation of pre-paid water meters in poor communities unconstitutional and discriminatory and ruled that the right to health and dignity is jeopardised by limiting the quantity of water made available to residents in Phiri to 6 kilolitres per household per month. The ruling obviously holds enormous implications for poor communities and municipalities around the country.
Other speakers include Laila Smith (Mvula Trust) who will comment on how local communities can get more involved in water management and Sipho Mosai (City of Cape Town), who will bring in a municipal perspective on the challenges and possible contradictions between equitable water provision for the poor and sustainable environmental resource management.
The event is part of the Development Dialogue initiative of the Isandla Institute and the Open Society Foundation on Thursday 12 June from 16h30-18h00 at 62 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town. The invitation asks that you r.s.v.p. to admin@isandla.org.za .
June 10, 2008
Basic services