Community protest blocks N2
The community has threatened to protest again if there is still no water.
THE SAPS had to use tear gas to disperse angry Izingolweni community members blocking the N2 at the eShobeni area leading to Harding yesterday morning.
A resident said the protest began at 3am when the community started burning tyres to block both roads leading to Harding.
“We had to do something, as our cries for water were falling on deaf ears,” said a concerned community member who asked not to be named.
She explained that they sometimes go for days without water, and complaining to the ward councillor was not helping.
“We have tried setting meetings with our ward councillor but she does not attend, and even though Ugu does send water tankers, they come during the day when we are all at work,” she said.
“As it is I do not have a drop of water in my house,” she complained.
“The mayor has promised us that water would be back by tomorrow, if she doesn’t keep her promise we will protest again,” she said.
Ugu has condemned the road closures due to service interruptions.
“The municipality is appalled by the behaviour of the Izingolweni community after a minor disruption of water supply due to the Izingolweni pumping deficiency,” said Ugu spokesman Sipho Khuzwayo.
He explained that the reason for the water problems is a pumping deficiency in the reservoir supplying Izingolweni which caused the system to collapse.
“To address the water shortage whilst works to fully restore the system continued, the municipality dispatched four water tankers to Izingolweni and one tanker to Shobeni,” explained Mr Khuzwayo.
“An additional water tanker will be sent to the Shobeni area to further assist in this area,” he assured.
“The municipality sincerely apologises to the affected communities for this temporary inconvenience. We plead for the support and understanding of the community while we ensure speedy rectification of the problem.”
The road is now open to traffic.
To read more on troubles on the N2, click here
