Local news

Umgababa residents call for service delivery during protest

These residents say they haven't had electricity in over a week.

IRATE residents of Umgababa took to the streets this morning, Friday, March 24, to protest against the lack of service delivery.

The protestors blocked off areas along the R102 between the Protea hotel and Umgababa Beach turn-off with metal sheeting, tree branches and tyres.

Umgababa residents block off the road with debris. Photo: Durban Metro Police Service

The visibly upset residents said they have been without water and electricity for a week, with no sign of resolution.

ALSO READ: National Shutdown: More than 550 protesters arrested across the country

Metro Police, SAPS and security services were first on the scene to monitor and defuse the situation.

A short while later, the ward 98 councillor, Arthur Mgobhozi, arrived to address the residents.

The Umgababa ward councillor addresses the residents about service-delivery issues.

Various taxi association operational vehicles, such as that of Illovu-Adams and Umgababa, which are a part of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), were on the scene.

According to one of its members, who is not authorised to speak to the media, the protestors are, in turn, preventing the taxi drivers from picking up people along that route, forcing them to take the N2 with fewer passengers in transit.

This is not the first time the residents have blocked off this stretch of road. Yesterday afternoon, March 23, they were also seen setting debris alight.

Motorists are urged to take caution when travelling along this route.

Read more about it in next week’s newspaper.

 

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