RESIDENTS of Blackburn Village Informal Settlement are protesting on part of the N2 (going towards the airport) just before the Sibaya turn-off in order to highlight their struggle for electricity. Unconfirmed reports from the scene suggest that stones and bottles were being thrown at passing cars.
The protesters, carrying a sign that reads ‘Put Power Now On!!!’ , are angry that the municipality has cut off their electricity and are demanding that it be restored.
Chairman of the Durban North/Umhlanga Community Police Forum, Haden Searles, urged motorists to be careful in the vicinity.
“The road hasn’t been closed off, but from what I understand the people are unhappy over their electricity being switched off. There is a large contingent of residents standing on the side of the road, which is dangerous for motorists and for the residents themselves. If you can use alternative routes, like the M4, I would advise you to do so,” he said.
A video by Grant Laret on his YouTube channel shows how cars were forced to drive on the shoulder median of the busy N2 freeway to avoid protesters who had blocked the lanes.
