Wyebank protesters block pipe project

RESIDENTS from Wyebank camp sites blocked the pipe projects in Wyebank Road complaining about service delivery in the area.

The pipe project is at it second phase of the Western Aqueduct, the mega bulk water pipeline which extends from Inchanga to Ntuzuma.

Angry residents who burnt tyres in the middle of the road said that they are tired of the empty promises from Ward 19 councillor, Bheki Mvubu.

One of the residents Zanele Mkhize said they have tried to speak to the councillor several times about the conditions, they live under, but nothing has been done.

“The councillor promised us that he will hire people who resides in ward 19 when the pipeline projects started, not even one person from this area was employed.

“Today we have decided to block this road because we feel that it is the only way that we can get his attention.

“He does not come to check the progress in this area, he does not care about his people. Even now people are looking for him but he is nowhere to be found,” said Mkhize.

The residents were not only complaining about the pipe projects but said there is no progress in the area.

“We have been living in these camp sites for six years as we were moved from Sub 5 as they were building a new bridge.

“We were suppose to stay here for a few months but it been six years and we have no electricity, this is the only camp site without electricity,” said the residents.

Lundi Khayiya, community liaison officer of the ESOR pipelines in ward 10 and 19 said their work has come to a standstill due to the protests.

“We did not know anything about this protest, we got here this morning as usual, only to find that the roads are blocked,” he said.

Khayiya added that he has also tried to get hold of the councillor with no luck.

“When we need people to work on a project, we speak to the councillors and we receive names from them.

“We do not know what happened, but the residents have many issues, its not only this pipe project,” said Khayiya.