The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) notes with great concern the violent protest actions in Bayland, a settlement in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM), where residents are protesting the lack of electricity supply.
During the protest, the M19 and R75 roads were blocked, and two trucks were torched.
The Freedom Front Plus previously warned that violence and malicious damage to property will not solve service delivery issues, and that decisive action should be taken against offenders.
Residents who engage in criminal acts such as the destruction of property should be arrested and charged before the court.
Such behaviour jeopardises the safety of other residents and motorists, and should not be tolerated.
Protest actions like these are a regular occurrence in the NMBM, causing significant economic damage in a Metro where service delivery is already under strain.
The party recognises residents’ right to voice their grievances regarding service delivery issues, but it has to be done in an orderly and lawful manner.
The blame for the service delivery crisis in the NMBM can be laid squarely on the shoulders of the ANC/EFF coalition government and the acting City manager, Mr Ted Pillay, who failed to execute projects needed to ensure proper service delivery to all the people.
The Freedom Front Plus remains committed to pressuring the Metro to urgently address service delivery issues.
At the same time, the party appeals to residents and communities to take up their grievances directly with the Metro, and to refrain from resorting to violence.
FF+ Manifesto on Sustainable development: Balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
Submit your Press Release for free to MyNMB here: My Nelson Mandela Bay Free News Submission.
