Health MEC ashamed over R1,16-m protest damage

THE MEC for Health, Sibongiseni Dhlomo has expressed his disappointment over the extensive damages caused to department facilities by protesters earlier this week.

Dhlomo described the behaviour of protesters as “shameful” saying that in a matter of hours they caused R 1, 16 million worth of damage to government facilities.

This comes after the Department concluded a preliminary evaluation of the damages following the violent protests alongside the Sea Cow Lake Laundry.

Protesters started their protest in front of the laundry on Monday 6, June 2016. They then proceeded force their way through the main gate of the regional laundry.

“In the process they smashed and broke the windows of the laundry building; parked vehicles and pushed an eight ton truck as well as a Renault Kangaroo Panel Van outside and set them on fire. The truck is part of a lot was announced by MEC Dhlomo in his budget speech that was purchased and compartementalised for soiled and clean linen in order to comply with Infection Prevention and Control requirements. It is now destroyed,” said the MEC.

In total, 90 windows were damaged by protesters, a main gate was broken, a seven meter copper pipe stolen and vehicles were gutted.

“We appeal to our people thatwhatever they are unhappy about; let them spare the government property meant to assist them in their hour of need,” pleaded Dhlomo.