Radio Islam News Team – 26/01/2016

Residents of the Precas informal settlement, near Lenasia, blocked streets with bricks and burning tyres yesterday in protest against poor service delivery.

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

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

By 8am yesterday, 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.

Which they did, as protestors continued at around 6pm last night.

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.
“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.

ANC Ward Councillor Zareena Motala says there is no protest action on the K43 and Bangalore Dr this morning…

“Roads are open along the K43 and Bangalore Drive this morning with a heavy police presence visible in the area and the Johannesburg Roads Agency have been requested to clear the roads as soon as possible”.

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