Protest in Lenasia over water, power

Residents of the Precas informal settlement blocked streets in protest against poor service delivery.

Johannesburg - Residents of the Precas informal settlement, near Lenasia, blocked streets with bricks and burning tyres on Monday morning in protest against poor service delivery.

Plumes of black smoke rose into the air, which was filled with the pungent odour of the rubbish that was strewn around the streets from bins. “We are tired of having no running water and electricity,” said Amanda Ponie, a young woman living in the area.

They were also protesting because those living in Precas had been told that they had to move to neighbouring Thembilihle or Lehae informal settlements.

Despite these areas only being a short distance away, resident Ntombi Mathabela told The Star they didn’t want to be moved as they had been staying in Precas for years and it made no sense to move from one shanty dwelling to another.

“We want to stay where we are and we want good government to give us running water and electricity,” she said.

Other residents said they would approach the provincial government with their grievances as local government had failed them.

The protesters, who had blocked off roads such as the K43, kept police on their toes as they not only monitored the area to ensure easy traffic flow but cleaned up rubble.

By 8am, the police had restored order and were working towards clearing the scene.

The crowd stood and watched the officers at work, although some promised to return later with intensified protest action.

Spokesperson for the City of Joburg’s housing department Dikeledi Mashile said the residents would have to be moved as the land was privately owned and the owner wanted his land back.

“The land was invaded by the people who are living there now. We had negotiations with the owner to purchase the property but the asking price was too high, so we will be removing the people to nearby informal settlements in the next few weeks,” she said.

The member of the mayoral committee for housing, Dan Bovu, had visited the community and warned them of the move.

karishma.dipa@inl.co.za

The Star