Bothashoek residents blockade the road again
Since last night the violent residents blockaded the main road leading to Burgersfort from Praktiseer with burning tyres and stones. They also hit vehicles passing on the busy roads with stones.
BOTHASHOEK – Less than a year after the local residents barricaded roads with burning tyres demanding electricity, the community has blocked the roads again.
Since last night the violent residents blockaded the main road leading to Burgersfort from Praktiseer with burning tyres and stones. They also hit vehicles passing on the busy roads with stones.
According to the paper sources, the residents’ claim they were promised electricity by the Greater Tubatse Municipality (GTM), our sources revealed that the municipality never kept their promise.
Previously, the communities alleged that they wrote to the GTM on several occasions demanding services but the municipality never responded to their demands.
Residents say the lack of power in their area was the reason crime was escalating in their village.
The protesters claimed that the municipality promised them electricity 17 years ago, but all in vain.
Spokesperson of GTM Mr Thabiso Mokoena said they were shocked to see the unrest in the village.
“We had already delivered poles in Bothashoek, we had planned that their houses will be electrified before December, we are surprised to see them protesting,” he said.
School children failed to attend their classes as the roads remain blocked, motorists are advised to travel on the old Penge road which passes Dresden.
Bothashoek sections that are not electrified included Khalanyoni, Riverside and Takaneng.
Steelburger/Lydenburg News can confirm that the road is currently not operating. A meeting between the residents and the local Cllr Joel Hlatswayo is scheduled for 10:00 this morning. The paper will keep readers updated about the protest.
