-
Protesters burn electrical installations in Kariega
- They are protesting over the lack of supply
- Demand access to electricity for shacks
Residents of Area 11 in Kariega have protested the lack of electricity supply to the shacks within the area. The residents took to the streets in anger, burning electricity poles and demanding the electrification of the shacks.
The Mayor Nqaba Bhanga is expected to visit the community to urge calm and dialogue with the residents. The community has been without electricity since last month. The protesters are demanding the electrification of at least 3000 shack homes in the area. They also accused Mayor Bhanga of failing to attend a meeting on 26th May, which was meant to address the relocation of shack dwellers from the settlement.
The Police are patrolling the area to ease the tension in Kariega. Police Captain Andre Beegte said, “The situation is still tense, and police are patrolling the road between Kariega and Gqeberha”. Responding to the protests, Municipal spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said, “Burning electrical poles defeats the purpose, commitment and plans that the municipality has to improve people’s lives”.