The City of Ekurhuleni warns residents that the ongoing violent protests, said to be over former President Jacob Zuma’s incarceration, could impact negatively on service delivery.

Violent protests, by protesters reportedly opposed to Zuma’s incarceration, have been reported in certain parts of Ekurhuleni.

These areas include Vosloorus and Katlehong, where protesters targeted shopping centres, vandalised and looted shops.

In an interview with the Advertiser, metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini assured residents the City will continue to strive for the provision of services, especially basic and essential services, but warned of possible delays in services due to disruptions caused by the protest actions.

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“The protests actions are obstructing the normal process of business in some areas during the already challenging time of lockdown. “It’s most likely to result in backlogs in some basic services such as solid waste collection because some areas are inaccessible and some workers are finding it difficult to travel to work, resulting in short-staffed departments.

“Our apologies in advance for the potential inconveniences the prevailing situation is likely to cause to our customers,” said Dlamini.

Customers are, however, urged to continue reporting service delivery-related issues to the metro but are advised to anticipate delays on the turn-around time on calls logged. The metro condemned the damage to infrastructure and chaos caused by the protesters. “We hope people come to understand that those who will suffer the most or bear the consequences of the destruction of infrastructure and sources of livelihoods are the poor people on the ground.” When asked about measures taken by the City to protect properties from the protesters, Dlamini pointed out the EMPD is out in full force, working with other law enforcement agencies to try and quell the disturbances in the affected areas.

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