Residents of Kopela village near Delareyville in North West burnt down three schools and a clinic during a protest to demand water and electricity.

Yesterday angry residents told Sowetan their wish was not to burn the buildings, but they have realised the government only acts when such action is taken.

They say what makes them sad is that the three schools and the clinic were built by members of the community, not the government.

Community representative Papiso Motshoadi said the protest will continue until premier Supra Mahumapelo comes to the village.

Most of the residents in Kopela are unemployed .

In another protest, residents of Makhubung outside Mahikeng blockaded the main road with burning tyres. They want the government to instal electricity in their village.

Ward councillor Bongalo Ngobeni said residents must be patient.

"We are going to help them, we need more time. Some of them have built their houses under the powerlines; we cannot give them electricity while they are still there. They must first move."

Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality mayor Justice Makolomakwa said Eskom has already done the final inspections and residents will get electricity soon.

"We have tried to push Eskom to accelerate their process; the residents will get electricity," he said.

Tswaing local municipality mayor Caesar Mogatusi could not be reached for a comment.

Police spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said four people have been arrested and more are still to be arrested.

The protests happened when Public Service and Administration Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi was in Mahikeng to address the Service Delivery Improvement Indaba.

tshehleb@sowetan.co.za