Updated:

Celebrating small water victory in Denmark, SC

By
1572
0

Latest

Deanna Miller Berry, speaking for safe and affordable water for the people of Denmark, SC. (2019)
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!

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

The Texas Tribune and Chloe Landen, Religion News Service -

Japanese Internment Survivors, Faith Leaders Demand Texas ICE Detention Center Close

Faith leaders and Japanese internment camp survivors held a 45 mile pilgrimage demanding the closure of the only federal family detention center, described as inhumane and a tragic “repetition of American history.”
Maureen Taylor, Michigan Welfare Rights -

Progressives? Conservatives? Left? Right? Who Do They All Represent?

The billionare class paints the economy as very good based on rising stock market episodes that don’t filter down to most blue-collar people. Let’s concentrate our efforts on those fighting for the needs of the many.
Indira Treon-Mutuma -

A Somali Perspective on Life in Minnesota

The words “Nobody wants you here,” may have been directed at one Somali family, but they do not define Minnesota’s Somali community. By listening to the voices of Somalis themselves, a different story emerges, one of belonging, resilience, and community.
Alexandria McKenzie -

50 Years Later: The Man Who Refused to Let Allensworth Disappear

While a historical site cannot bring back the haven of possibility that the town of Allensworth in the state of California once was, its presence forces a reckoning for anyone it reaches — a ceaseless act of resistance in itself.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

ICE Killings Are Increasing, But So is the Resistance

If we allow ICE, as a servant of the powerful, to kill or deport our working class sisters and brothers then we are not only immoral, we’re setting ourselves up to be next in line for the detention centers.

More from the People's Tribune