The Rooi area of Steadville is still a ‘no go zone’, as roads have been blocked off by protesters since Thursday last week (October 11).
It is believed that the angry protesters have taken to the streets because their homes have still not been repaired since the freak hailstorm that hit the area in December 2012.
They are demanding that their homes be fixed and question the municipality as to why it has taken so long for anything to happen.
On Monday (October 15), Mayor Vincent Madlala, along with councillors and a heavy police presence, addressed the group of protesters to try and solve the problem. However, none of their demands have been met and the roads remain closed.
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Siyabonga Maphalala (Communications Manager of Alfred Duma Local Municipality) released the following message, saying that since day one of the protest, council leadership has visited the affected area trying to attend to the community.
Yesterday, council was able to convene the community for the purpose of allowing them to elect or appoint their area representatives, which was done successfully.
The engagements between the community and the municipality ended late in the evening, and continued from 10am this morning (October 16).
Maphalala added that a special rapid response meeting is underway, comprising council leadership, the Steadville Rooi area representatives, Provincial Department of Human Settlements, Municipal Housing and the Appointed Implementing Agent who is responsible for repairs and building of houses in the affected area.
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