Durban — A clarion call has been made for ratepayers associations and civic bodies in the eThekwini region to join hands in the fight for better service delivery.
The call was prompted by a service delivery protest in the Clare Estate and Reservoir Hills area on Monday. Main roads leading through the suburbs were blocked by rocks, bricks and tyres that were set alight.
A combined ratepayers meeting has been called for Friday, October 28 at David Landau Hall in Asherville.
Reservoir Hills Ratepayers spokesperson Ish Prahladh said Monday’s protest occurred because residents living in the informal settlement in Ward 25 – Clare Estate did not get feedback from the ward councillor. Public Order Policing Units were called in to clear the roads of debris and remove the protesters.
The protest disrupted transport operations, schooling and also made ratepayers late for work due to traffic congestion and the use of alternative routes.
Prahladh said volunteer patrollers and security companies were out from 2am trying to keep the roads open for residents.
“Attending community meetings is crucial so voices can be heard. Meetings are held at night after working hours. People can only complain on social media but the reality is we battle to fill our halls in ratepayers’ meetings. How are we going to stand together? Non-ratepayers have more back-up so what does that tell you?” Prahladh said.
A resident who wished to remain anonymous said due to the protests, which occur every month, most if not all residents of Reservoir Hills had been adversely affected or inconvenienced in some way and burdened with stress and worry as a result.
“As an example, it took me 1hour 15minutes to get into the CBD, resulting in being delayed to work, increased fuel consumption, some irate motorists exhibiting road rage, etc. There have been numerous infrastructure, safety and health issues raised repeatedly by tax-paying and rate-paying residents who are entitled to municipal and government services,” the resident said.
“Yet the only people (not residents), who are repeatedly causing us difficulty, that seem to be benefiting and having their way whenever they want, are the people in informal dwellings. Efforts from the councillor, government services and some residents, to repair and rebuild the infrastructure are often thwarted by these very people from informal dwellings; with these frequent protests. Reservoir Hills is fast becoming a slum,” added the resident.
“This is not consistent with the rates residents are paying as this is essentially a neat and habitable suburb, that residents take pride in, that is being destroyed. Unless these informal dwellers are removed and resisted by the government, as a matter of high priority, to other suitable vacant locations, not in our residential area, the situation is going to worsen to a point of no return,” the resident added.
Also this morning, the eThekwini Municipality announced the temporary closure of Clare Estate Clinic.
“Clare Estate Clinic is closed this morning as staff were not able to access it because of a community protest. Patients are requested to visit other clinics. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said this morning, a group of people embarked on a protest action on the M19 in Reservoir Hills where they blockaded the road with burning tyres and rubble.
“The road is now open and the traffic is moving. A case of public violence has been opened for investigation at Sydenham SAPS,” Gwala said.
Daily News