Duduza – A group of concerned residents in Duduza are demanding that a multi-billion Mega City project be put on hold until locals are absorbed to work in this multibillion project.
The project is said to boast lowcost, bonded and middle-income housing.
The goal is to build 100 000 houses in five years and will also allocate stands with services.
The group has been vocal about the unfair deployment of locals at the construction of a multi-billion Mega City project.
They alleged that residents are scared to speak out and those who do are threatened. Last week Tuesday, they said that Moses, Xolani and Phama Beya of the concerned group were woken up in the middle of the night by a group of armed men with their faces covered with balaclavas.
They were assaulted.
They advised them that they should not leave their home or cross Nala Street leading to the project.
On Thursday night it is alleged the group returned and assaulted Moses again after he was seen outside his home.
His cousin Xolani was seen assaulted by neighbours and forced into a car. He has since gone missing. Moses told the African Reporter that they are targeted because they refuse to be silenced.
“Those like us who refuse to be silenced are forced to live in hiding or pay with our lives.
“I now can’t even leave the house to seek medical attention because I might risk being assaulted again and this time they might kill me,” he added.
Moses added that he fears for his missing cousin’s life. Another resident Ntokozo Moloi said residents have every right to speak out when they are not happy with service delivery.
“Projects in the area are only benefiting those who are close to the leaders. We are now intimidated and forced to keep quiet.
How are we supposed to access the essential services in the area?” Ward 98 Clr Thabo Motaung said since the inception of the construction of the houses, they have been receiving threats to disrupt the project.
“We have only residents of Duduza with different skills, especially the youth. We are urging those who have concerns to come forward and raise their grievances and for victims to open cases with the police,” he added.
The African Reporter has proof that cases were opened at the Duduza police station, but when the publication inquired about the charges, Sergeant Harry Manaka could not confirm.
