KWANOBUHLE, EASTERN CAPE - Taxi associations, joined by other stakeholders, have brought parts of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro to a standstill.
Protesters are demanded immediate action on the long-delayed repairs to the Kwanobuhle Bridge, damaged by floods last June.
They blocked all entry points with their vehicles, vowing to remain until they receive concrete assurances on the bridge's repair timeline.
This strike brought everything to a standstill, with taxi vehicles blocking all entry points from Despatch, Kwanobuhle, Kariega, Addo, and Nqweba
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Mayor Babalwa Lobishe addressed the demonstrators. A closed-door meeting between Lobishe and protesters nearly broke down.
After two hours, an agreement was reached. Lobishe explained that they had planned to introduce the contractor to Kwanobuhle residents, but were awaiting legal counsel, which caused the delay.
Lobishe says the bridge will cost 89 million rand, and work will start on Tuesday, with completion set for 12 months from now.
By: Nceba Ntlanganiso