ESTCOURT KZN: Protest to demand asbestos roof removal
The DA has decided to take action and has planned a ‘peaceful yet urgent’ protest
For the 452 families living under lethal asbestos roofs, any damage to their roofs could place their health in serious jeopardy.
Asbestos, which was banned in South Africa in 2008, has been linked to cancer. Efforts by government to eradicate the remnants have been adamantly stated, but action has been slow.
Last year, during the pre-election canvassing, Human Settlements MEC Jomo Sibiya made promises that he would personally revisit Estcourt and speedily initiate the removal of the asbestos roofing from 110 homes in Colita and 242 in Forderville.
This was meant to begin at the end of November.
During a follow-up meeting held in Bergville earlier this year, the MEC told Ward 10 councillor Edith Lite and ward committee members that there were ‘glitches’ which had been ironed out and the removal and replacement of the roofs would begin shortly.
Tired of the endless delays, members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) have decided to take action and have planned a ‘peaceful yet urgent’ protest which is planned for Monday (March 7) from 08:00 to 10:00 in front of the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality building in Victoria Street.
“We are inviting the entire community throughout Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality to please join us in our protest to present a memorandum of demands and deadlines to the municipality to support these efforts,” said the DA.
A petition has been set up, demanding the speedy removal of the asbestos roofs and that the rights of the affected families take priority – visit https://chng.it/p8P9CnJdzv
NOW READ: Keeping the green fingers alive
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
