Komga boils on brink of explosion
Angry residents threaten protest action
KOMGA residents, outraged over poor service delivery, have posted comments on Great Kei municipality’s website inciting violence and threatening to burn the municipal offices.
Community leaders vented their frustrations calling for Bhisho to place the municipality under administration.
Tensions are running high in the small town with fed-up residents planning to take to the streets to blockade the R63 route to Bhisho.
The embattled municipality has been mired in controversy in the past with battles between council and administration and delivery of services crippled to communities in Komga, Kei Mouth, Chintsa East, Haga Haga, Mooiplaas and Kwelera through alleged corruption and mismanagement.
This week, comments went viral on Facebook.
Nkosikhona Balarana wrote: “I have an idea that can also get me into trouble, but I for one know we didn’t get this democracy through negotiations – we fought hard for it. It’s high time we wake up and fix our own territory.”
He said his idea was to blockade the R63 to Bhisho so dignitaries were unable to get to the provincial headquarters.
“Maybe then we will get attention from government,” he said.
Alfred Kiky Grey wrote: “Thank you for turning our town into a pigsty. Komga was much better before you came on board. Our town was the cleanest town. You only drink coffee all day.”
Luvuyo Chillibite Liga wrote: “You guys did a pretty good job f#cking Komga up. Not so long ago you said you were busy fixing the road and you did fokol, and kunzima nolungisa izi [proved difficult to even fix] streetlights in town, nakhe nayibonaphi iTown engena street lights [where else have you heard a town without working streetlights]? What exactly are you doing in Komga … as people who are employed to look after Komga? Kutheni ingathi lemali iphuma kuni kodwa yekagovernment [why is it like this money is coming from your own pockets, but it is from government]?”
South African National Civic Organisation secretary Lungile Luzipo said several issues relating to lack of water, the streetlights, a shambolic billing system and pothole-riddled roads had been raised with the municipality but had not been resolved.
“This is causing a lot of anger among residents. We want speedy intervention.” — msindisif@dispatch.co.za