Residents protest over unfinished roads

SEBOKENG. – Three people were arrested on Monday morning due to the ongoing protests over unfinished roads in Zone 6.

Residents converged and blocked the Zone 6, Zone 3 and Zone 7 intersection demanding answers.

The residents closed roads with burning tyres and huge rocks, causing traffic jams. Construction upgrades to these roads commenced in 2010 with promises of improved traffic flow, a mall nearby and a refurbished filling station.The construction however has been halted for years with residents left in the lurch, several meetings have been conducted but nothing has come of it and this has infuriated residents.

Community leader Vusi Morris says that they have met with concerned leaders – local and provincial: “We made our grievances clear to the local and provincial government (Emfuleni Local Municipality and the office of the premier). Officials from these offices came and spoke to the people. “This was in 2010 and nothing has happened since.

“These roads have been abandoned and motorists have to use alternative roads. Those alternative roads are damaged, uneven and ridden with potholes that cause frequent accidents.”

Another community leader, Chally Mazibuko says a 12-year-old child died last year in Zone 7 due to the negligence of the construction of these roads. Sedibeng District Municipality Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development Planning and Housing, Veli Mcera was apparently deployed to the scene, but his efforts to communicate with the angry mob were unsuccessful as they first wanted the three arrested community members to be released before they would listen to anything said.

“We want David Makhura to hear us because he made empty promises. He knows our story,” said Morris. At the time of going to print the situation remained tense as the protests continued.

Mathebula.mduduzi@Media24.com