The delayed project, which was started in late 2016, was at the heart of unrest in the Potchefstroom city centre on Thursday, where enraged residents vandalised the main municipal building demanding answers on the project.

Municipal spokesperson, Willy Maphosa, explains the appointed main contractor did not fulfil his obligations and half erected toilet top structures. In addition to this, informal dwellers occupied the land where the project was taking place, adding to the municipality’s woes.

This led to Thursday’s chaotic events in which irate Ikageng Extension 6 residents, who were transported by local taxis to the city centre, attempted to forcibly storm the building, demanding answers over the delayed toilet building project in Ikageng.

According to Maphosa whose version of events was corroborated by police spokesperson, Sabata Mkogwabone, the mob began breaking windows at the entrance and pushed the enclosure/fence surrounding the building, causing extensive damage after security measures made it difficult for them to forcibly enter the building.

The JB Marks spokesperson implores residents to exercise patience as the process of appointing a new contractor will be initiated when council sits on 31 March. He says once council has sat, a new contractor will be on-site seven days from that sitting.

Mokgwabone, told OFM News no arrests were made in connection with Thursday’s incident, even though Maphosa says the municipality has officially opened a case for the damage done.

OFM News