Day two of R538 blockade in demand for service delivery
The road is blocked with tyres; stones and debris as the community continues to demand drinking water and opportunities from Skukuza which is located 50 km east of Hazyview.
The service delivery protest over water services in areas around Mahushu to Swalala has entered its second day.
There is still no movement in and out of the area, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through to Hazyview and Mbombela. Workers and school going children couldn’t go to work and schools. Motorists going to Hazyview from White River side are urged to use alternative roads, specifically the Kiepersol road.
Also read: Residents blockade R538 demanding service delivery
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said communities around Bhekiswako and Mahushu had been without water for ages except those living around Numbi Gate and Salubindza.
He also adds that with the high rate of unemployment in the area, the community also demands to benefit from Skukuza.
This morning a few taxis only managed to pass through via passageways. Some workers from the area took to Facebook to voice out their frustrations concerning the continued strike, stating that they wanted to go to work. They also allege that some of the strikers were demanding payments between R5 and R20 to allow them to pass through.
“Our attempt to engage the local police to request them to accompany us to Skukuza was in vain as the police accused us of wanting to gain entrance to the game reserve so that we can steal rhino horns, something which is not true. Our intention was to engage the management of the game reserve on how they could help improve the lives of the community by giving them opportunities there,” he adds.
Capt Naniki Nonyane spokesperson from Masoyi police said no criminal activities were reported so far. “We haven’t seen any criminal activity so far, police are there to maintain order,” she said.
