Community warned against acts of vandalism

MANDENI Municipal Speaker, Cllr Makhosazana Zungu has issued a stern warning to community members who continue to vandalise government properties, in the name of service delivery.

Zungu who was speaking at a sod turning event held at Shekembuya Crèche said, while the right to protest was guaranteed in the constitution, people must act with a sense of responsibility.

‘We should at all times ensure that we don’t deprive or infringe on other people’s rights when embarking on service delivery protests.

‘We are not saying people should not engage in community protests, but those protests should not become violent.

The vandalism and damage to property and infrastructure buildings cannot be tolerated,’ she said.

Zungu also reassured residents that outstanding issues relating to water crisis would be addressed.

‘We are also here resolve the crisis created by the previous contractors, who were assigned to fix water related issues for all iSithebe wards, particularly Wards 6, 7, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18,’ she said.

The event was a joint partnership with iLembe District Municipality.

ILembe District Mayor Cllr Sduduzo Gumede said his municipality was focused on fixing problems related to iNdulinde Water Supply Scheme, a project which he said would take about nine months to complete.

‘I wish to warn residents of the affected wards not to disturb the project. I will be failing in my duties, if I don’t announce that job opportunities will be created in this regard,’ said the Mayor.

Also present at the event were ward councillors of iSithebe in all affected wards, iLembe Deputy Mayor Cllr Dolly Shandu, iLembe District Municipality Speaker Cllr Lucky Makhathini.