Durban - The eThekwini Municipality has buckled under the pressure of a week-long protest by residents of Jadhu Place informal settlement in Springfield, saying that an upgrade of the settlement was on the cards.
Residents went on the rampage along Alpine Road between Hendry and Umgeni Road demanding houses and basic services. The road had been blockaded with rocks and burning tyres.
EThekwini Municipality spokesperson Mandla Nsele said that there are several housing projects planned in ward 25.
This ward stretches from Morningside, parts of Overport, Asherville, Springfield, Clare Hills, Clare Estate and Kennedy Road. The ward also has the Jadhu Place, Hoffman Road, Foreman Road, Burnwood Road, Candover Road,Puntan's Hill,Palmiet Road and Kennedy Road informal settlements.
"The projects include the Jadhu Place and Kennedy Road in-situ (on site) upgrades. The Jadhu Place project is currently in the detailed planning stage - geo-technical studies are underway," Nsele said.
With regard to a meeting that was held at the Jadhu Place informal settlement, Nsele said, this meeting was between the residents and the Human Settlements provincial department.
During the protest on Alpine Road, Jadhu Place residents warned the city and the provincial housing departments not to lie to them. A placard, with the words we are tired of lies, was placed next to two scrap car shells left in the centre of the road.
“As a caring City, eThekwini Municipality has a dedicated team of staff members who strive to provide superior service to all City residents. Service delivery remains our key priority," Nsele said.