Over the past few months, work has begun on Water Mains across North Belfast including, Ardoyne, New Lodge, Oldpark and Cliftonville communities. There is no doubt that water-pipes under our roads and streets are well-over a century old and are badly in need of being replaced by the Agency with responsibility for their upkeep; 'NI Water'. There may well be that type of much-needed work being conducted right across Belfast City. However, NI Water has also employed Outside Contractors to NOT only replace existing pipes but to also install Boundary Boxes outside each and every residential home along the way.
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| Diagram Demonstrating a Boundary Box |
A number of Community, Political Groups and Political Parties including the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) voiced concerns and publicly challenged 'NI Water's' official version regarding Boundary Boxes and Water-Meters. Prior to this week, the Water Board officially denied it had been installing Boundary Boxes at all in Belfast. However, it issued a statement
on October 2nd, 2014 finally confirming that its Contractors had indeed been installing Boundary Boxes outside residential homes in Working-Class Communities across the City.
As can be seen from both illustrations above. There is a wealth of evidence that manifold connections coupled with Boundary Boxes are a necessary component for the installation of water meters. I know the Water Board, Stormont' Executive and Elected Political Representatives have denied that Water Meters are the charges which follow their installation will not be implemented. All the evidence thus far refutes these charges. The actual implementation programme for the Six Counties has indeed been deferred by Stormont but only until 2016.
Like every Government in every State, Stormont will attempt to wriggle out of the truth about Water Meters as best it can - until, they can no longer do so! The reality is that water charges’ were not 'blocked' as a number of Politicians have claimed. These unjust charges will be brought to bear on Working-Class families as part of austerity policies conducted against the most vunerable in our society.
A number of questions need posed to those Parties who endorse Stormont. Is why are Boundary Boxes being installed across North and West Belfast? Are Boundary Boxes an essential component for Water Maters? Will Stormont Politicians stand with the people in opposition to this policy or will they help implement another unfair tax upon ordinary families?
I know the Republican Network for Unity will strongly oppose Water Meters and Charges. As our fellow comrades have in Dundalk, Dublin and |Meath. Many have endured arrest and harassment from An Gardai for their activism on behalf of local communities in those areas. RNU will also do our best in Belfast also and beyond to ensure Boundary Boxes, Water Meters and Charges are stopped. We urge residents to contact RNU, whenever you realise these boxes are being installed in your district and/or street. This will allow us to provide advice and offer our assistance on how we can all stand together and defeat these measures.
on October 2nd, 2014 finally confirming that its Contractors had indeed been installing Boundary Boxes outside residential homes in Working-Class Communities across the City.
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| Inside a Boundary Box |
Like every Government in every State, Stormont will attempt to wriggle out of the truth about Water Meters as best it can - until, they can no longer do so! The reality is that water charges’ were not 'blocked' as a number of Politicians have claimed. These unjust charges will be brought to bear on Working-Class families as part of austerity policies conducted against the most vunerable in our society.
A number of questions need posed to those Parties who endorse Stormont. Is why are Boundary Boxes being installed across North and West Belfast? Are Boundary Boxes an essential component for Water Maters? Will Stormont Politicians stand with the people in opposition to this policy or will they help implement another unfair tax upon ordinary families?
I know the Republican Network for Unity will strongly oppose Water Meters and Charges. As our fellow comrades have in Dundalk, Dublin and |Meath. Many have endured arrest and harassment from An Gardai for their activism on behalf of local communities in those areas. RNU will also do our best in Belfast also and beyond to ensure Boundary Boxes, Water Meters and Charges are stopped. We urge residents to contact RNU, whenever you realise these boxes are being installed in your district and/or street. This will allow us to provide advice and offer our assistance on how we can all stand together and defeat these measures.
The people of North Belfast have always rallied against draconian measures. During the days of the Orange State, people manifested themselves in political struggle to end decades of neglect, discrimination and poverty manufactured by the Stormont Regime. Now is the time to mobilise again and assert our rights. A community-based Campaign is needed against water meters and charges is required! RNU seek to work alongside your community and help defeat this unfair scheme!