Sithandiwe Velaphi
Nelson Mandela Bay municipality executive mayor Zanoxolo Wayile has turned to the provincial government to assist in resolving a spate of service delivery protests in the area.
Residents of Walmer township in Port Elizabeth took to the streets on Monday, protesting against the lack of housing and an end to the bucket toilet system. Walmer has seen a spate of protests in the recent past.
The Nelson Mandela Bay area has seen service delivery protest ranging from a lack of housing, sanitation, roads, jobs and proper infrastructure.
Wayile said he would also meet with the municipal mayoral committee to see what can be done to avert the strikes. “These are our people. When they protest, we have to find ways of resolving their issues.”
Walmer residents have vowed that they will continue protesting throughout this week until authorities answer to their demands. By later on Monday and yesterday, residents were seen on the street.
Police have arrested 11 people in connection with the Walmer protest on Monday. The protesters were arrested for public violence.
Police spokesperson Capt Stanley Jarvis said those arrested appeared in court yesterday. He said they were expecting more arrests, as the protesters were still on the streets.
MEC for local government Mlibo Qoboshiyane’s spokesperson, Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha, said the MEC’s office was committed to assisting the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality in resolving its service delivery issues.
“I cannot confirm what assistance the office will be offering at this stage.But what can I assure is that the matter will be attended to,” said Sicwetsha.
The ANC regional chairperson, Nceba Faku, said the situation was very worrying. “The matters of service delivery are topical in this area. We are planning to sit down next week to see what can we do as the ruling party to see how can we assist,” said Faku.
provinces@thenewage.co.za
Article source: http://www.thenewage.co.za/55237-1016-53-Mayor_seeks_provinces_help_after_protests
