Residents embark on protest over water, electricity tariffs

Protest action over water and electricity tariffs in Zone 1, Seshego that saw disgruntled residents blocking a road next to the shopping complex with burning rubbish on Monday reportedly continued yesterday (Wednesday) when the protesters caused commotion at Seshego circle centre
At the time of going to print Polokwane Observer learnt that a large group of residents had gathered at the centre with the apparent intention to barricade the roads as per threats of a total shutdown made on Monday. It could not be established if business and schooling in the area were affected but reliable sources indicated that the Police were monitoring the situation. Initially it was stressed that the protest formed part of a resolution from a community meeting on Sunday as residents complained about wrong billing and expensive electricity rates.
After learning of the commotion and the circle centre, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Ward 13 Councillor Oupa Ramaphoko was contacted for comment and he indicated that there was nothing major happening. He added that residents want smart metres to be installed in all the households in Seshego for them to be able to control usage of their water and electricity. Ramaphoko pointed out the other issue as stands that were given to people in Ext 133 in Seshego. “I did not authorise the awarding of stands in the area hence people want to know who made a call for the stands to be given out. Some of the beneficia­ries were not even on the waiting list and this caused conflict,” Ramaphoko stated.
Earlier the African National Congress Ward 13 Branch Executive Committee member, Masilo Manthata indicated that the complaints included wrong billing and expensive electricity. He further said it was a community protest and residents threatened to chase away municipal officials working in the area for the municipality to attend to their grievances.
Economic Freedom Fighters Ward 13 Deputy Chairperson Willy Ma­kgoba also highlighted on Monday that the protest was a wakeup call to the municipality and added that they were planning to draft a memorandum and apply for a march.
Polokwane Municipality spokesperson Matshidiso Mothapo emphasised that they were unaware of the grievances and they would respond to residents accordingly once the complaints were known. He indicated that tariff increases were guided by service providers such as Eskom, adding that the municipality was forced to increase tariffs to be able to provide residents with water and electricity.

Story: Endy Senyatsi
>>endy@observer.co.za
Photos: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com