Activists want emergency water stations in Detroit, Flint
The People’s Water Board Coalition on Friday said it’s awaiting action from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in response to a letter asking the governor to pull together resources, including the National Guard, to set up water stations and provide bleach and other cleaning supplies.
The group further warned it is “deeply concerned” that Detroit’s water department will be unable to carry out a water restoration plan for homes in the city that have burst pipes, lead contamination and plumbing worries after been shut off over nonpayment for weeks to years.
“We believe that local and state government are responsible for the public health of all residents and must do more to step up and protect us to stop the stem of the virus from expanding,” Sylvia Orduño, an organizer with the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and member of the water coalition, said during a Friday teleconference with reporters.