MEC Kaunda condems destruction of state property in Ekuvukeni near Ladysmith

MEC Kaunda condems destruction of state property in Ekuvukeni near Ladysmith

February 22, 2019 • News

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda has strongly condemned the destruction of public property at Ekuvukeni Township near Ladysmith following violent public protests yesterday.

Kaunda, who visited the area today called upon members of the community to refrain from damaging public property if they want to raise service delivery challenges with government. Among the grievances raised by members of the community include shortage of water and spilling sewage pipes.

The illegal service delivery protest resulted in the torching of the SASSA office and ransacking of the Parliamentary Constituency Office. The incident resulted in the destruction of 700 files and 14 computers being stolen from SASSA offices. Since the office is closed, SASSA is servicing Ekuvukeni clients from Ezakheni and Ladysmith offices. Police have opened a case of theft, arson and malicious damage to property.

During the community meeting, Kaunda assured protesters that the provincial government was working closely with the uThukela District Municipality to ensure that the challenges facing the community are speedily addressed. The municipality has appointed a service provider to undertake the following work:

Refurbishing and upgrade of Ekuvukeni Water Treatment Works
Drilling of boreholes
Refurbishing existing underground water infrastructure
Construction of secondary bulk water infrastructure

To address the issue of spilling sewage, the municipality has appointed a service provider to refurbish the waste water treatment plant. A maintenance team has also been assembled by the municipality to unblock sewer lines and replace the vandalised manhole covers in the area.

“It is unfortunate that all this work was supposed to start in the beginning of February but some members of the community decided to block the service provider who was already on site,” said Kaunda. He asked the police to increase visibility in the area and ensure that the service provider, who will resume work tomorrow is not disturbed. While we are addressing all the concerns raised by the community, police will also leave no stone unturned in finding those who destroyed the state property. “We have always appealed to members of the community that if they want to protest, they must do so peacefully and avoid damaging private or public property,” said Kaunda.

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