There was chaos in Witsand near Atlantis on Thursday as residents embarked on a violent protest.
Roads in and around the Witsand area were blocked off by burning tyres, debris and tree branches.
Western Cape Traffic Chief, Kenny Africa, said the area was extremely tense.
“Most of the roads in and around Atlantis have been closed for traffic due to ongoing protest action. Motorists need to make use of alternative routes,” Africa said.
Thousands of residents threw petrol bombs at buses trying to transport commuters to work. Fortunately, no one was injured and the buses were immediately diverted.
Area North Mayco member Councillor Suzette Little said the disruption stemmed from unhappineness about a community hall.
“The protest is about the building of a community hall. Residents are frustrated that it is taking too long to be built. However, we only got the approval of a community centre in the Witsand area in June,” Little says.
She says people did not understand that processes must still take place before building can commence.
“We have to follow a process. The plans were drafted and the architect was on site twice to check the plans and do the measurements,” Little said.
The specifications were then handed over to angry residents.
“I addressed the crowd and told them in future to not have a meeting without me. I also gave them specifications for the community hall as that’s what they wanted. But to protest, burn and hurt people I cannot condone,” Little added.