LIMPOPO – Angry residents of Moshakga village in Bolobedu had been protesting at the entrance leading to Greater Letaba Municipal offices since Monday last week, demanding the construction of a 1,6 km road leading to a local graveyard with immediate effect.
The road in question started from the provincial road that passes from Ga-Kgapane Township to Mokwakwaila and it went on a steep slope that ends at a village graveyard situated next to Makaba village.
On Tuesday last week a municipal team led by municipal manager, Dr Innocent Sirhovha, accompanied by some of the community members from Moshakga village visited the area to inspect the damaged road which needs to be given a facelift.
This resulted in the team being held hostage by the community who demanded the paving of the road should start on Monday, 27 August and that the officials should provide proof in the form of a letter or they will not leave the area.
Residents became angry when Sirhovha told them the municipality will start with the regravelling of the road while the supply chain processes are underway from Monday, 27 August.
At first the upset residents agreed with the municipality on the gravelling process, but later decided they want the road to be paved as from Monday and not only regravelled. They then blocked the road for nearly four hours.
Police were called to negotiate with residents and at around 16:00, the road was reopened and municipal officials and residents could pass.
According to one residents who spoke to the media anonymously, community blamed the mayor Peter Matlou for promising them that the paving of the road was supposed to have started early in June this year.
“We are tired of being told lies,” said another angry resident. They have threatened to block the municipal gate every day until their demands are met.
capvoice@nmgroup.co.za
