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Third force behind Vaal protests, says council

Aftermath: Residents of Orange Farm again protested against lack of service delivery yesterday, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Pic. Len Kumalo. 09/2008.
Aftermath: Residents of Orange Farm again protested against lack of service delivery yesterday, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Pic. Len Kumalo. 09/2008.

Ntwaagae Seleka

Ntwaagae Seleka

The Gauteng department of housing claims a third force is behind the spate of protests over service delivery that have hit Orange Farm on the Vaal.

Department spokesman Aviva Manqa said yesterday they suspected that some people were behind the recent demonstrations that rocked the area.

Residents of Driezik Extension in Orange Farm yesterday barricaded the busy Golden Highway, demanding improved service delivery in the area.

Last Monday about 20 residents from Driezik Extension 4 were arrested after they blockaded roads with burning tyres, rocks and tree branches. Police had to use force to disperse the protesters.

Manqa said: "After Monday's protests we assured them that there would be improvements in the area soon and they understood. We suspect there are people who want to claim that glory by using the residents."

He said certain people wanted to claim they had brought changes to the area.

Community leader Bricks Mokolo said he had lived in the area for the past 17 and there were no signs of improvements promised by the municipality.

"We demand immediate standard service delivery. We need houses, water, roads, sanitation, sport facilities and infrastructure.

"We have had empty promises from our ward councillor Meisie Simango," said Mokolo.

The residents demanded Simango's removal, saying she had done nothing for them.

They also accused her of not fulfilling her promises to improve their area.

Johannesburg metro police spokesman Superintendent Wayne Minaar said about 20 protesters were arrested for public violence.

"Our members had to use the necessary force to subdue the situation.

"No cars were damaged and nobody was injured during the process," Minaar said.

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