NKOMAZI – Tonga residents took to the streets yesterday, January 27, marching against poor service delivery in their area.
The demonstration, which saw roads blocked and traffic disrupted, highlighted the community’s growing frustration with the lack of progress in addressing their basic needs.
At the forefront of the protesters’ concerns was the deplorable condition of the access road to the Tonga Hospital. The road, which has been in a state of disrepair for years, has made it difficult for the community to access the facility.
“We are tired of the government’s empty promises. The road leading to the Tonga hospital is a death trap, and yet nothing has been done to fix it. We demand action now,” said one of the protesters.
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In addition to the hospital road, the protesters also called on the government to build a new high school in the area. Currently, learners have to travel long distances to access education. This results in poor academic performance and high dropout rates.
“We need a high school in our area to give our children a chance at a better future. It’s time for the government to prioritize our needs and deliver on its promises,” said another protester.
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The violent protest saw residents blocking roads and chanting slogans, demanding better service delivery from the government.
Nkomazi municipality spokesperson Cyril Repinga acknowledged the community’s grievances. “We understand the concerns and are engaging with the Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport. We want to address the issue of the reconstruction of the road leading to the hospital,” he said.
According to Repinga, the municipality is also working with Mpumalanga’s Department of Education to address the issue of the construction of a high school in the area. However, he urged the community to avoid damaging public property.
