Residents block road to protest for clinic, service delivery
A service delivery protest brought traffic in the Steenbok area, when residents blocked an access bridge in an attempt to get authorities to respond to their demands quicker.
STEENBOK – The week had a rocky start for local pupils and teachers when residents of Dludluma blockaded the bridge on the D797 leading to Steenbok, Ngwenyeni and Dludluma on Monday morning.
They used burning tyres and logs to prevent anyone from crossing, resulting in many learners and teachers missing school.
The community demanded a tarred road and services such as a clinic and running water.
“They try to stomp the gravel to make the road better, but if it rains it gets damaged again,” said one of the protesters.
READ: Community closes school over structural safety concerns
Community members said they have never had a tarred road and wanted to meet with the premier, since the people who were aware of their situation were not doing anything about it.
One of the protesters stated that they hoped the road closure will make the authorities tend to their problems quicker.
READ: Protesters become more violent in wage battle
Nkomazi Local Municipality’s (NLM) member of the mayoral council for infrastructure and development, Cllr Philosopher Mziyako said there is no budget at this time. He told protesters that NLM and the department of public works were aware of the need for proper roads and the Dludluma gravel road was maintained.
“We have invited the department of public works as NLM and shown them all the areas that have road challenges,” said Mziyako.
