A service delivery protest rocked Etete yesterday when angry residents blocked the R102 with burning tires and stones.
The R102 between Shakaskraal and Groutville was closed for most of the day
The people were demanding that KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu address them.
They said they were angry because Mthembu and human settlement MEC Ravi Pillay had lied to them last year by promising that the earthworks for their housing project would begin in September 2013 (‘Angry community promised houses’, Courier, August 16, 2013).
“We made ourselves clear during last year’s strike that if we do not see any sign of a housing project taking place then they can kiss our votes good bye,” said Sifiso Buthelezi.
His sentiments were echoed by Dudu Mzobe who said their housing project had already been long delayed and they did not understand what was holding it back.
“Why vote for people who do not even bother to come and explain to you when they are failing to deliver on their promise?” said Mzobe.
Mthembu came and addressed the angry mob that afternoon. He promised to return on Wednesday, April 16, and speak to the caucus about the way forward for the project.
The R102 has since been opened.
