Residents of Samora Machel were left dismayed by incomplete sewerage works in the area due to criminal elements in the community.
Street sewerage-system repairs conducted by the City at Robert Sobukwe and Joe Slovo Streets were halted for almost a month owing to extortionate roaming gangs coming along and demanding cash from the contractor.
This was alleged by one resident, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, who said more than one group was involved, effectively scaring the contractor off and leaving a smelly, unsightly mess in the middle of the street. The source said motorists had to use alternative routes as a result.
“I understand one group came along and managed to extort money from the contractor, who refused to give when a second group came along demanding money, and now the project just lingers, incomplete. It creates a problem for people living in this street, particularly those who have vehicles.
The resident said the local community wants the situation investigated and the perpetrators arrested, and called for on-site extortion to be seen as a widespread problem that needs serious addressing.
“This thing (extortion) is all over the country. You get it in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.”
Another resident, also speaking anonymously, said such extortionate behaviour, perpetrated by gangs or groups of thugs affected innocent people.
Ward 33 councillor Lungisa Somdaka confirmed the project was halted because of some criminal elements. But he couldn’t confirm that an exchange of money had taken place.
“Two projects had to be halted because of unknown people demanding money from the contractors working there, one in Robert Sobukwe and the other in Joe Slovo Street. The City had to stop both projects for the workers’ safety.” He wasn’t sure when construction would resume.
