Residents in Morgenzon are fed up with living conditions because of damage to the town’s infrastructure due to coal trucks passing through the town and parking overnight.

“Coal trucks are destroying the roads in our little town,” Mr Corné van Dijk, a businessman, said.

Many trucks drive through Morgenzon daily which cause the roads to disintegrate.

“Most coal trucks drive through town to transport coal to Majuba Power Station since it is the shortest and most economical route,” he added.

According to Mr Van Dijk, poor road conditions have been a problem with which residents have had to contend for years.

A lot of damage has been done subsequently as the storm water drains are blocked and sewage systems are not functioning properly.

“This affects the livelihood of residents, the economy of the town and the health of our people.”

He also said truckers get aggressive if residents ask them to move their vehicles.

The community blocked all entrances to the town on 18 March.

According to a local who wants to remain anonymous, the community decided to block the roads for a short period to get rid of some of the trucks.

The resident said Eskom sent out an order that none of their trucks should not pass through Morgenzon, but should rather make use of alternative routes.

“Truckers had to use alternative routes through Ermelo,” he said.

Read the complete article in the Highvelder.