eMBALENHLE – The recent community protest over power outages did not make much difference as locals are still experiencing unbearable power interruptions in eMbalenhle.
Most parts of eMbalenhle are without electricity for more than eight hours a day.
Angry residents from Extension 12 took to the street to protest over the electricity crisis in the area on Tuesday, 14 July.
They blocked the roads and burned tyres throughout the area and mobilise residents from Mandela Section to join them.
The residents claimed that the area was without electricity for three days.
However, the protest did not last long because the local taxi drivers intervened and cleared the roads.
Protesters were not happy with the taxi drivers and accused them of violence and brutality.
“These guys are not fair, they are shooting us instead of joining fight Govan Mbeki Municipality.
“It is not the first time they are stopping a protest and I do not understand why.
“The living conditions are deteriorating daily in eMbalenhle and the municipality does not seem to care.
“We have been without electricity for nearly a week now.
“No notice was issued and there was not communication at all.
“This municipality is a disaster, there is nothing they are doing right.
“These people do not collect refuge, roads are bad and sewerage spillages are flowing all over the streets. But what can we do, because the taxi association is not a defense force for the municipality,” said a protester who wanted to remain anonymous.
The Ridge Times sent several inquiries to the Govan Mbeki Municipality on Tuesday, 13 July about the electricity in eMbalenhle however, the municipality did not yet respond at time of going to press on Monday.
Mr Benzi Soko, chief of staff and spokesman, said he was working from home and that he was waiting for the directors to give him a feedback on the matter.
