PHOTO: Miracle Chatman
DENMARK, SC — With Covid-19, access to safe affordable water when under quarantine is a hardship. Yet, recently, the City decided to start shutting off everyone’s water without notice. We got it turned back on through funding and grants based on the overwhelming response from the community.
We let them know that we knew that at least 100 homes had been shut off. Some residents here have had water shut off for over a week. The City did this without having a plan of action to assist residents experiencing hardships with Covid-19. And, no one had a plan to help residents get back on their feet and not have to pay three months water bills at one time. Last year, no one wanted to do anything. Today I raised holy Hell with the governor’s office, telling them that citizens have to have access to water. It’s a health issue. Due to one of our state senators, they managed to get the governor to agree to turn it back on, even if we have no money.
It was a small victory because the city is still not willing to implement a plan to help folks while we deal with covid-19. The stimulus package should have taken into account that we have rents of $600 and above and water bills are more than your rent. The City’s only concern is finances, not the health of the people. We’re still fighting to bring back experts and get a water filter plant and address the health of the people affected by the toxins in the water.
But, for now, people are really happy. We’re celebrating in Denmark!
