The situation at municipal offices is calm and staff members have reported for work.
Yesterday (19 March) morning around 08:00, group of people invaded municipal offices because of a delay in the infrastructure project in Extension 6.
According to Jeanette Tshite, municipal spokesperson, the group arrived in nine taxis that were fully loaded and demonstrated in front of the main door. “Their arrival and protest were unannounced,” she stated.
The community members then tried to make a forceful entry into the building but the security tried to prevent them from entering, and the crowd became violent.
“They smashed the main glass door and the windows in the front. The fencing in front of the building was also run-over and badly damaged,” she said.
The police were contacted but the damage was already done. However, the municipality has opened a case and plans to apply for a court interdict.
Members of the mayoral committee and the municipal manager met with the leaders of the group where they discussed their grievances – the delay in completing the infrastructure project in Extension 6. The infrastructure project includes building toilets and the provision of water.
“The delay of the project was caused by people who continuously invaded the site and established shack dwellings on the place,”
Another reason for the delay is because the contractor, allegedly poorly established the top structures of the toilets, and the municipal manager has also begun the legal processes of terminating the contract.
“This process will be concluded on 31 March, when council will discuss the report and take a decision,”
Tshitse says the municipality firmly condemns the destruction to property as it only wastes municipal resources.
