News / Africa
Angry residents burn bus
18 May 2016 at 16:18hrs | Views
A BUS was torched yesterday during a service delivery protest in the Vaal region, south of Joburg.
Daily Sun reported that on Monday morning, three kasis took to the streets to demand better service delivery. Residents from zones 3, 6 and 7 in Sebokeng barricaded roads with burning tyres, debris and rocks.
The residents were protesting over sewage spills, potholes and faulty high mast lights, as well as the upgrading of gravel roads.
Tensions were still high yesterday after residents torched a bus.
The driver had refused to turn back when she was ordered to do so by the protestors.
The burnt bus blocked the intersection of Thulare and Sebe roads.
No learning took place at schools in the area because of the protest. Several foreign-owned shops were also looted.
Stanley Gaba, spokesman for Emfuleni Local Municipality, said: "The protest was sparked by the perceived delay in the completion of construction work on Sebe Road.
"The road was constructed by the human settlements department as part of their Evaton Renewal Project.
"A number of illegal properties have been erected on the road, which led to land disputes and a delay in the completion of the project.
"The human settlements department then handed the project over to the roads and transport department for completion," said Gaba.
"Two weeks ago, the department finalised the designs.
"They are busy with the tender process.
"The project is going ahead," he said.
Evaton police spokesman Warrant Officer Aubrey Moopeloa said no case has been opened, but one person has been arrested for public violence.
Daily Sun reported that on Monday morning, three kasis took to the streets to demand better service delivery. Residents from zones 3, 6 and 7 in Sebokeng barricaded roads with burning tyres, debris and rocks.
The residents were protesting over sewage spills, potholes and faulty high mast lights, as well as the upgrading of gravel roads.
Tensions were still high yesterday after residents torched a bus.
The driver had refused to turn back when she was ordered to do so by the protestors.
The burnt bus blocked the intersection of Thulare and Sebe roads.
No learning took place at schools in the area because of the protest. Several foreign-owned shops were also looted.
"The road was constructed by the human settlements department as part of their Evaton Renewal Project.
"A number of illegal properties have been erected on the road, which led to land disputes and a delay in the completion of the project.
"The human settlements department then handed the project over to the roads and transport department for completion," said Gaba.
"Two weeks ago, the department finalised the designs.
"They are busy with the tender process.
"The project is going ahead," he said.
Evaton police spokesman Warrant Officer Aubrey Moopeloa said no case has been opened, but one person has been arrested for public violence.
Source - Daily Sun
