KwaDukuza municipality will have to pay close to R4 million for the damage caused by residents of Thembeni, Groutville, when they burnt down the offices of the Zikhuluse construction company last week.
Last week Thursday, about 1500 angry residents protested and blocked the N2 complaining about the delay on the construction of the 1890 RDP houses. The community complained that some houses were being sold to people who are not Thembeni residents.
KwaDukuza communications officer Sphelelo Ngobese said KDM was aware that some of the houses were recently occupied illegally by foreign people who are not on their books.
“We have moved all illegal settlers out in light of the demands and council is enforcing correct allocation in terms of its policy,” said Ngobese.
To maintain stability in the community, Ngobese said they have reported the damage to property to their relevant authorities, including law enforcement agencies, for further investigation. The main contractor will go back on site and additional security will be required to protect assets and staff.
“We are calling on the community of Thembeni to ‘give peace a chance’. We are fully aware of their worries and disappointments which have driven them to protest action,” said Ngobese.
There will be a community meeting on Monday next week, together with the contractor, to inform the people when construction will start.
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