Residents take to the streets after municipality ‘snubs’ them
Residents took to the streets during a service delivery protest, blocking several roads with burning tyres after allegedly being snubbed by the municipal manager.
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PROTEST action continued in Green Street, Findlayson, Tyson, and Corless roads on Thursday, where tyres were set alight and streets barricaded with bricks and tree branches after community representatives from Ward 18 in Honey Land (Scorpion) and Rhythm City were apparently turned away from Sol Plaatje Municipality on August 13.
Community representatives claimed they were dismissed by the municipal manager, who, in the presence of the ANC ward councillor, told them that he “didn’t have time for them” as he had to attend another meeting, and that he was “rude and disrespectful” towards them.
“We were seeking answers after a memorandum was handed in on July 18 regarding RDP houses, roads, ablution facilities, waste disposal services, and other general services that are lacking. The memorandum requested 14 days in which to respond, but this date has long expired,” they said.
Community members stated that they were living in squalid conditions where the mobile toilets were “undignified” and insufficient.
They took to the streets on Wednesday night after the municipal manager did not meet them at 5pm as promised.
They indicated that they would continue protesting until their demands were met.
SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Kimberley Public Order Police were monitoring the protest action in parts of Galeshewe and Kimberley.
“Roads that were affected include Corless, Tyson, and Findlayson roads, and Green Street. The police have brought the situation under control, and all affected roads have been opened for motorists and pedestrians,” said Shemane.
He, however, appealed to motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution when using the roads.
“The police are monitoring the situation, with no arrests being made,” he concluded.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi stated that a meeting would be held on Sunday, August 17, to address all issues concerning Honey Land and Rhythm City.
“The interaction between the municipal manager and community representatives resulted in an agreement that an open mass meeting will be held,” he said.
He added that the acting executive mayor and acting speaker had addressed the group.
“The allegations that the municipal manager was disrespectful are hearsay, and I have no responsibility to respond,” Mothibi stated.