Water Safe For Consumption

Grade 10 LASEC learner Lasha Singh as defied all odds, including providing the facts about alleged dirty water that had been provided to Ladysmith, scary most residents in purchasing water filters, boiling liters of water, because of reports that the water we are consuming could be dirty.

"I have conducted several tests over a period of one year and have the correct facts, that the water that is being provided to us by Uthukela is of the highest standard," said Singh as she explain the chemical analysis of her report. According to Singh the water quality towers high above the normal South African National Standard.

"I started my very own testing on the water, because of the fears of my own and of my families," smiled Singh, who is incredible, pleased with her findings. "The water we are getting from the taps is safe in South Africa for consumption," as she gave a thumbs-up for a glass of tap water. Singh will be using her findings and test results in her science expo and hope not only to change the judges’ minds, but to help the community of Ladysmith with the ’testing’ facts of water.

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National Strike

Ladysmith’s taxi ranks along Lyell Street cut a picture of a ghost town on strike day.

This bustling town was completely deserted last Wednesday as hard-pressed workers heeded a nation-wide call by tough-talking labour leaders to give the ANC government a wake up call about the fuel and food crisis that is threatening the livelihood of South Africa’s millions of working and middle class population. The Congress of South African Trade Unions’ ’total shutdown" strike affected Ladysmith in a big way as taxis and buses were grounded for a day.

Wednesday’s stay away is a curtain raiser to the big showdown between Cosatu and President Thabo Mbeki’s ANC government in August. Cosatu’s strike action follows increasing hardships experienced by the poor in almost all the race groups to increasing food, petrol and electricity costs. Many shops also put shutters ahead of the massive stay away that left streets and sidewalks deserted. The local economy paid the price and business and services lost out as the commuters joined forces with the taxi industry to send a strong message to the Union Buildings for ministers to get their political acts together.

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In The Line Of Duty

Public Safety officer almost lost his life while doing his job in Ladysmith last week.

Officer Halgreen puts the community of Ladysmith first in his risky job. Last Friday afternoon, Halgreen considered himself lucky to be alive after experiencing a close encounter with a law-breaking taxi driver.

According to Mr Breedt, Chief of Public Safety, his colleague Officer Halgreen had attempted to stop a minibus taxi driver who had violated a traffic law in Alexandra Street.

"The driver of the taxi failed to cooperate and continued driving down Alexandra Street," said Breedt. The traffic offender then continued on his law breaking spree, failing to stop at traffic signals displaying a red light. Halgreen gave chase and stopped the taxi at a railway station.

"The taxi driver drove off forcing Officer Halgreen to take evasive action by jumping out of the way. The officer then fired shots and one hit the rear wheel of the taxi," said Breedt.

The taxi drove away from the railway station where the officer tried desperately to corner the offender who was forced by a flat tyre to stop at the intersection. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

Public Safety confirmed that a half-empty beer bottle was found inside the taxi and the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol. "A case of attempted murder and reckless and negligent driving has been opened against the driver," said Breedt.

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Ambulance Outfit Want To Help Police For 2010

Ahead of 2010, local ambulance training firm wants to give police a helping hand, but certain protocols have to be agreed upon before law enforcement and law safety agencies accept private-sector support.

With the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup almost 24 months away from sports reality in South Africa, the SAPS and other law enforcements, including RTI and Public Safety have the daunting task of not only policing locals, but to keep a watchful eye over millions of overseas soccer die-hard fans that will be flocking to Africa to enjoy the football festival.

The Ladysmith Herald has become aware of a move by the Sharaj Service Training and Ambulance Service to offer their services not only to SAPS, but as well as to Public Safety and RTI, a free month's course in BLS. According to the training centre, both SAPS and Public Safety were reluctant to take up the offer. "This is our way making sure that everybody is equipped and trained, because the more lives are saved the better," added Sharaj. According to Director Phindile Radebe, from the office of the Provincial Commissioner, they were not aware of any such offer to members of the SAPS in KwaZuluNatal .

"We are of the opinion that any additional training for members of the SAPS in this province will be beneficial even though it is not our primary function," said Radebe.

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