News 24: ‘Residents run amok over lack of service delivery’

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Residents run amok over lack of service delivery

The community of Zone 20 joined by Kwa-Masiza Hostel residents says they have run out of patience with the empty promises of service delivery made by the Emfuleni Local Municipality, ELM.

The angry residents ran amok, burning tyres in protest at lack of service delivery in their areas early last Tuesday morning at about 05:00. They barricaded the Golden Highway with big rocks and burning tyres until Police arrived to restore the peace. Residents claim to have been waiting too long for a reply, following submission of a memorandum of grievances to ELM earlier last month. They say it seems both the ward councillor and municipality is not ‘in the mood’ to talk to them. One resident who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisal says they have had enough of councillors who receive a memorandum and promise to return shortly, never to be heard of again. ‘The councillors are taking us for a ride,’ they say. Police quickly responded and extinguished the flames. A strong Police presence was mounted in the area. No injuries were reported.

Three weeks ago, the residents of Zone 20 were joined by Kwa-Masiza and Boiketlong to march to the Houtkop offices. Infrastructure, Water, Electricity and Sanitation MMC Johnny Thabane, and Zone 20 ward councillor Ms Madisebo Kgomoeasera, after receiving another memo, promised to refer it to the relevant officials.