Kirkwood grinds to a halt again as residents call a stay-away

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Protests have flared up in Kirkwood again, with some roads having been barricaded with burning tyres, rocks and other objects.

Police spokesperson, Warrant-Officer Basil Seekoei, says members of the Public order Policing order have been deployed in the town.

Seekoei says the roads between the Moses Mabida-area and town are closed, but there are no groupings of people in the streets.

He says community members have gathered in the township's community hall, where the Executive Mayor, Mbulelo Kebe, is due to address them.

According to the Kirkwood Business Chamber residents from several areas have called a stay-away leading to the shut-down of the town again.

They're unhappy with the employment of a small group of local people by contractors who are in town to resurface two main roads in the Sunday's River Valley.

Chamber president Flippie Ehlers.

"The town was very quiet, because nobody is allowed to come to work. It is a complete stay-away which has a negative effect on the economy of the town. Trucks cant deliver as there are no staff to do the intake. It is sad that this now has to happen after the riots in September" he said