New mall outrages residents

LAST Friday, angry people living in the Mtwalume, eMathulini area marched to protest against the development of a mall currently being built in the Turton area.

The group of community members handed their written grievances over to the developers. These included claims that  various processes had not been followed prior to the start of construction.

March leader, Howard Msomi, said lack of consultation was one of the major issues.

“We were not consulted about the mall or how members of our community would be employed in the construction of this mall.”

Mr Msomi also said they were not against development in the area as it was a great initiative but in terms of government legislature, public consultation was vital.

“We don’t want to just spend money at the new mall, we also want to play a role in its development,” he added.

Construction at the site has been discontinued until an amicable solution can be reached.

However not everyone seems to be happy about the move. IFP deputy chairman, Simphiwe Mthethwa, described it as nothing but a political move to prevent development in the area.

In a statement released recently, Cllr Mthethwa blamed ANC members for initiating the march.

He said they were shocked when ANC councillors and their supporters staged a protest against the construction, as all arrangements had been made and investors had agreed to the construction.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that the dream of building a mall is fulfilled. We cannot allow these people and their cronies to prevent poor and unemployed people from getting job opportunities.”

When a Herald reporter contacted Cllr Mthethwa about these allegations, he said he was not at the march but had heard from people about the matter.

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