Mayor condemns attacks on contractors
eThekwini Mayor says attacks on municipal contractors are being committed by criminals to hinder service delivery.
AN eThekwini Municipal water contractor, who was viciously attacked while repairing a burst pipe in Umlazi yesterday, 4 August 2015, is recovering at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital.
The contractor was working in Cyril Grove, F section when he was attacked and beaten by a group of criminals. He had been responding to a community complaint about a leaking pipe.
This incident follows two other violent attacks against contractors in the same township.
Another contractor was attacked and shot at Georgedale, West of Durban recently.
EThekwini Mayor, James Nxumalo, expressed concern following the spate of incidents which targeted municipal contractors saying it was the fourth attack reported in recent weeks.
“This incident follows two other incidents from the same township as well as another assault that took place in Georgedale. Such brutal attacks are committed by criminals who want to render the municipality helpless and hinder service deliver,” said Nxumalo.
Nxumalo said these attacks would not deter the municipality from accelerating service delivery to communities. He urged residents to be alert and report any suspicious behaviour.
“Let us take a collective responsibility for the safety of our contractors and their employees and report anyone lurking around contractors on duty,” Nxumalo added.
