THE cost of last week’s violent protests across parts of north Durban has cost R1.16-million worth of damage to government facilities. MEC for health in KZN, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, called the destruction of infrastructure ‘shameful’.

This comes after the department concluded preliminary evaluation of the damages following violent protest alongside the Sea Cow Lake laundry. In total, 90 windows were damaged by protesters, a main gate was broken and seven metres of copper pipe were also stolen.

“Members of the community in the Sea Cow Lake area in Durban North started their protest in front of the laundry. They then proceeded to make a forced entry into the main gate of the regional laundry.

“In the process they smashed and broke the windows of the laundry building, damaged the cars and pushed an eight-ton truck and a panel van outside and set them on fire.”

Dhlomo appealed to protesters to spare government property meant to assist them in their times of need.