The DA Mpumalanga expresses concern over the unrest in Bushbuckridge, as residents have taken to the streets to demonstrate their frustrations through protests.
Government infrastructure has been vandalized and damaged in the process, while motorists have been forced to use alternative routes such as Thulamahashe, as the R40 road in Acornhoek remains closed.
It is understood that the community members are protesting against the management of Arconhoek Mall. The management is said to be in against a local businessman who acquired a licence for a filling station in Tsakane village along the R40 road. The matter will be deliberated further at the Pretoria high court.
The community was engaged in another protest on Wednesday, where protesters called for the suspension of ANC ward councillor, Samson Oscar Makhubela who is accused of nepotism and maladministration.
Makhubela is reported to have influenced the awarding of a water project tender in the community of ward 20. Reports in the media indicate that the ANC ward councillor colluded with the municipality’s executives to hire his friends, business associates and family members to run the water project.
This has led to the burning of water pipes which were meant for the project and a site office utilized by the construction company. It is disappointing that the alleged misconduct of an ANC ward councillor will now compel the municipality to provide additional funds towards this water project.
The DA strongly condemns the vandalizing of infrastructure as it further impedes on service delivery and calls on Mayor Sylvia Nxumalo to urgently investigate the allegations and relieve Makhubela of his duties until he is cleared of any wrongdoing.