Ndlangubo protesters demand water and electricity

THE Ndlangubo community blockaded the bridge on the P230 route which links Empangeni and eShowe on Monday morning, protesting over slow service delivery issues.

Protesters used massive tree branches to block off the bridge on both sides of the road, leaving motorists without any option but to wait until the debris was removed.

They said they were fed up with their local councillor who failed to support and represent them.

According to the community, they do not have access to clean running water and have to use water from the uMhlathuze River which is also used by livestock.

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The community further want electricity and requested the uMlalazi Municipality to arrange that Eskom supply their homes with electricity.

They also want the uMlalazi Municipality to speak to the Department of Education about more schools in the area or that an arrangement is made with the Department of Transport to ensure their children are safely transported to school.

uMlalazi Municipality spokesperson Mkhuseli Buthelezi said the community’s concerns were raised during an earlier protest two weeks ago.

‘After the initial protest we met with Eskom and the King Cetshwayo District, who is responsible for water supply, to discuss a way forward in addressing the community’s plight. Both committed to attend to the issues.

‘The community needs to be patient. They want people to respond now, but there are due processes that need to be followed.

‘We are not sure what the issues are relating to the councillor and cannot comment on that. The community voted him into power,’ said Buthelezi.

While SAPS maintained order at the scene, a TLB was required to move the branches from the bridge to allow traffic through.

Umlalazi Fire and Rescue were also present to attend to the fires that had been lit.