PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The list of demands which Bitou Municipality has been called upon to address is growing following yet another protest in the town.
The Plettenberg Bay area has been plagued by protests – some of which turned violent – over the past three weeks.
The most recent was staged by Kranshoek residents last week when a large group participated in a peaceful and approved march from Trekker Street – the entrance to Kranshoek – to the local multipurpose centre where they handed over a petition to Bitou mayor Peter Lobese.
No roads were closed during the march, but motorists were warned to avoid Airport Road during the course of the march.
More housing demands
Municipal spokesperson Manfred van Rooyen said their demands included more housing for the area and addressing the poor conditions and poor workmanship of previously built houses. Concerned residents also asked the municipality to address youth unemployment and create more job opportunities in Kranshoek. "They also demanded a playground or park for children, a road or bridge between Kranshoek and Kwanokuthula, and a walkway or pavement for children to walk safely to school," he said.
Lobese received the residents' petition and agreed to report back to them during this week.
Two other protests
The Kranshoek action follows two sets of protests between 19 and 20 February. One was staged by Kwanokuthula residents over electricity issues and another by Qolweni residents over lingering housing issues in the area.
Residents indicated that they, among other things, wanted their electricity directly from Eskom as the municipality used the prepaid system to recover rates and taxes. This has led to residents receiving fewer electricity units than they paid for.
In Qolweni, residents gathered the previous evening on the N2 over housing shortages.
'We bring you the latest Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route news'
