Gingindlovu fuel station closure causes protests

TAXIS blockaded all the entrances to Gingindlovu on Tuesday morning as the local petrol station closed its fuel pumps pending renovations to the forecourt.

Not only were businesses in the town shut down by the protestors, but also the R102 intersections leading south and north from the town. The R66 towards Dokodweni was also blocked with vehicles and burning objects.

The convenience store at the petrol station was reopened after renovations just before Christmas after operating from a container for close on three months.

Motorists were informed of the pending shutdown of the forecourt since January, but when the pumps ran dry on Tuesday, motorists were left stranded and frustrated.

The closure of the forecourt meant that the closest fuel was only available at Mtunzini, Mandeni or eShowe.

Taxi operators said this was unacceptable as they do not fill up large amounts of petrol at a time and return to refuel after each trip into town.

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At a meeting between leaders of the taxi associations, the uMlalazi Municipality and concerned business owners, it was agreed that the bowsers would be refilled and the fuel station would operate as normal until a permanent solution is found.

By 4pm on Tuesday, fuel once again started flowing to the relief of the motorists and the town as a whole.

ALSO READ: King Dinizulu community protest after a failed meeting with the uMlalazi Mayor 

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