MKHANDLWINI residents are blaming the Department of Transport for house damages caused by contractors working on the provincial road, P700.
They allege several homesteads, located along the P700 at Emadanyini area in Ward 12 under Ubuka Traditional Authority were badly damaged during blasting operations.
Resident, Jabulani Magwaza told the Zululand Observer they first registered their unhappiness in 2013, with the department officials and contractors concerned, but all their efforts were in vain.
‘They are displaying an arrogant attitude and are refusing to take any responsibility for the damages caused.
‘Most of our houses were badly damaged, as a result they are not in good condition for human habitation.
‘We have even taken drastic measures to stop their operations, but that too did not work.’We also reported the matter to the head of Ubuka Traditional Authority, iNkosi Phiwayinkosi Biyela, who arranged a meeting with them last week, but they did not pitch up.
‘We are now in the dark, we don’t know how to resolve this matter, but we need our houses repaired and rebuilt,’ he said.
Magwaza identified homesteads that were badly damaged as the Dlamini, Mashiyana, Magwaza, Khanyile, Khumalo and Ngcobo.
‘This road construction has also diverted water into our homes, making life unbearable. We need help urgently from the highest authorities,’ he said.
Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Spokesperson Nathi Sukazi said they were aware of the matter, and were attending to it.
‘The department is in the process of having a meeting with the community in particular iNkosi Biyela, so as to address this problem.
‘We are in the process of doing a thorough assessment to establish whether the damages were indeed caused by the blasting and we are willing to help the affected families,’ said Sukazi.
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