BREAKING NEWS – Ga-Rena residents to continue with protest action

Polokwane Municipality’s Public Safety Unit and the Police are monitoring the situation after disgruntled residents of Ga-Rena Rental Village in Ladanna blockaded the entrance to the complex on Sunday night, setting refuse bins alight and are reportedly determined to continue with protest action tonight (Monday).
The Ga-Rena Rental Village is managed by Thabatshweu Housing Company, which is a municipal entity under Polokwane Municipality, trading as Polokwane Housing Association (PHA). Tenants are demanding ownership of the housing units although the purpose of the establishment was to provide affordable rental housing. The majority of tenants allegedly withhold payment of rentals and municipal services, resulting in a backlog of more than R8 million.
Matshidiso Mothapo, Communications and Marketing Manager of the municipality, confirmed that and that a meeting between municipal officials will take place later today to strategise further action.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Moatshe Ngoepe could not be reached for comment at time of going to print.

Story & photo: BARRY VILJOEN
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