Market stall poses security threat to the community

In 2003 the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport and the Ehlanzeni District Municipality built a R1-million hawker’s stall at Extension 10 in Emjindini, as part of the local economic development programme.

This should have been the happy ending – but it did not turned out that way at all. During a visit to the site last week, Barberton Times found the structure, which was funded by tax payers’ money, had been vandalised beyond repair.

These structures which had become an eyesore at Extension 10, were now seen by nearby residents as a security threat as criminals used them as a place to pounce on passers-by.

The market stalls have been deserted for some years now and turned into a haven for drug users as well as vandals.

A local resident, Bafana Maseko claimed he was once mugged near the market stalls. “We want nothing to do with this structure anymore. The only favour our municipality can do us, is to demolish it to prevent more robberies,” said Maseko.

Another well-known local political activist who resides close to the market stalls and wanted to remain anonymous, reiterated Maseko’s sentiments.

“People who reside behind the stalls are being dropped off and collected by taxis and buses on this road. They have to pass these structures which are dark at night and in the early morning hours. You won’t see if anyone is hiding there. The municipality must come and demolish these useless structures,” he said.

During a visit there, this reporter found several empty liquor bottles and dagga butts.

Similar structures, situated next to Emjindini Secondary School, were demolished in February 2010. This was after complaints were raised that learners used the stalls to bunk classes and as a hiding place to smoke dagga.

Sam Jele, Umjindi spokesman, said they would have to gain permission before taking action.