Unemployed Duduza residents continue protesting over reservoir project
“As a community, we are sick and tired of being held at gunpoint by criminals who call themselves business people.
Duduza – The unrest between angry unemployed residents of Duduza and potential sub-contractors has taken an ugly turn when residents had to take cover for safety on Friday afternoon.
It is alleged a group of local business people who have lined themselves up to be absorbed in the new reservoir construction in Spaarwater fired shots during a wrestling match with the residents.
A case of assault at gunpoint has been opened for investigation at the Duduza Police Station.
Residents have been protesting and blocking the entrance to the construction site daily, demanding fair and transparent employment opportunities.
Also read:
Gibela concerned about escalating unrest
The group, which has scaled down from over 100 residents to just more than 50 since the protest started three weeks ago, has threatened that they will protest daily, ensuring no work commences until their grievances are attended to by top officials from the metro.
Community representative Tebogo Boiyane alleges there are subcontractors who act as if all the community projects belong to them.
“They want to benefit from all the projects and not give other residents a chance to gain experience from projects in their own area.
“As a community, we are sick and tired of being held at gunpoint by criminals who call themselves business people.
“We will not rest until we are heard and see our people absorbed into the project,” he says.
In his comment, councillor Bongani Hlophe says the appointed community liaison officer (CLO) who has been liaising with the community since the beginning of the project will continue meeting with residents on Tuesdays at Masechaba Grounds at 10am to update them about any developments and employment opportunities.
Also read:
Unemployed residents demand employment
“We urge residents to exercise calmness, they will be updated by the CLO when there is a need to do so,” he says.
Sgt Harry Manaka, spokesperson for the Duduza police, confirmed that two cases of assault and intimidation and pointing of a firearm has been opened.
“No one has been arrested thus far, but investigations are underway.
“We are calling on the victims and witnesses to come forward with any information that might help police make an arrest,” he explains.
Manaka urged residents to not use violence and intimidation to resolve their grievances.
Follow us on:
