Looking back -25yrs ago in the SUN
Traffic incidents, taxi protest, schools re-opening, increase in electricity bills, and even a hostage drama made the news in January 1994
A NEW interim council will be appointed to replace the councils of Amanzimtoti, Isipingo and Kingsburgh.
Although not yet finalised, the name of the new local authority is likely to be Amanzimtoti.
This follows negotiations between the three local authorities with a view to amalgamation. “A steering committee of the three local authorities has now been formed and amalgamation is proceeding at a fast pace,” said town clerk of Toti, Dave Ongley.
TRAFFIC flow was disrupted on the N2 near Umkomaas on Tuesday, when the roadway under the bridge was blocked by 29 mini-bus taxis.
Members of the Umkomaas SAP were on the scene within minutes. They redirected traffic via the on and off-ramps. Taxi drivers were protesting about alleged unfair treatment by the Road Transportation Board personnel. Officials from the board were active in the area and had been issuing fines.
THREE people, including a pregnant woman, were injured in a head-on collision in Doonside last Saturday.
Kingsburgh Protection Services Chief, Terry Lang said his control centre responded to a call about a collision between two vehicles on the P197 dirt road near Longacres Drive. Members of Toti SAP as well as the fire department were sent to the scene. The driver of the one vehicle escaped without injury.
POLICE used stun grenades to end a hostage drama at Isipingo at the weekend.
The ordeal began when Sanjay Persadh (28) of Isipingo held his wife Resha (23) and their infant child at gunpoint for six hours. Reaction unit officers surrounded the house, allowing police psychologists to negotiate with the man. When talking failed to convince the man to give up, police entered the house through the roof. A shot was fired during the six-hour ordeal, but no-one was injured. Resha was treated for shock.
NO less than 497 Toti children began their school careers on Tuesday, with the re-opening of schools.
The class one intake varied from school to school, with Amanzimtoti taking 86, Umbogintwini 36, Doonheights 59, Warner Beach Junior Primary 136, Athlone Park 54, Primere Skool Kuswag 76 and Umkomaas 50.
Amid tears from both children and parents, were a lot of smiles as the young ones joined their friends and in some cases, older siblings at big school.
RESIDENTS can expect an increase in their electricity bill this month as the Durban Corporation has increased its tariffs by 8,5%.
For an average household that uses 700 units, this will mean an increase from about R122 to R133 a month.
The increase follows the annual increase by Eskom. This year Eskom, which supplies electricity to the Corporation, increased its cost by 7%. The additional 1,5% will be used to cover operating expenses.
