A VISIT by a high-ranking municipal delegation to kick off the first phase of the upgrading of Zosa Street in Korsten, Port Elizabeth, yesterday was marred by a petrol bomb attack on the home of an activist involved in the housing project.

The long-awaited upgrade has been mired in political controversy.

A dead dog was also found opposite the Steytler Township home of ANC member and Zosa Street Action Committee member Glen Harmse.

Harmse and his daughter were at home when he heard a loud bang outside and “in shock and horror” saw flames at the front door.

“I went to fetch water with a bucket and I successfully extinguished the flames, because the petrol didn’t ignite.

“My daughter was in the kitchen preparing (for university) classes, but ran out as soon as she heard the sound.”

He saw his front gate was wide open and a dead dog across the street.

“I’m traumatised (and) shocked. I didn’t think there could be anyone who wanted to kill. I never received any death threats from anyone.”

Harmse said the actions were politically motivated and that there had been conflicts between the ANC and the DA over the development of Zosa Street.

He saw the dumped dog as a death threat and feared for his family’s safety.

Warrant Officer Precious Timla said the device was thrown through a window enclosing the porch at 10.30am and police had opened a case of arson and malicious damage to property.

Just after the house was attacked, Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile and members of the mayoral committee officially implemented the first phase of the R2.4-million Zosa Street project.

Excited Korsten residents cheered and clapped when Wayile, wearing blue overalls, gloves and a safety helmet, joined the workers, laid bricks and pushed a cement-filled wheelbarrow at the construction site.

He said the unbearable living conditions of the Zosa Street community were a challenge created by the apartheid government.

“When I first came here, the situation was unbearable for human beings and I told myself something must be done. We are here today to celebrate the demolition of apartheid structures.

“I have invited all the mayoral committee members to join me here and monitor the progress as a continuation of Nelson Mandela’s month.”

Wayile said he was happy with the pace and quality of construction and expected people to be in their new homes before the end of the year.

“We want to use Zosa Street as a pilot project that will stretch to other areas of the metro, as has already started in Helenvale. We won’t allow the dignity of our people to be degraded.

“When we come back, we will bring a project called Zosa Family Day, involving Social Development and Home Affairs, that will deal with issues concerning woman and children.”

The mayoral committee member for housing, Andile Mfunda, said building began last month and the first phase was expected to be completed in the second week of August.

“As soon as we finish the first block of units, the residents on the other side of the street will have to start to vacate their dilapidated houses (for them) to be demolished and the construction workers will start the second phase.

“We expect the whole housing project to be complete by the end of November so that people can enjoy the festive season in their new homes.”

He said 34 duplex units and two semi- detached houses would be built and they would monitor it until Wayile gave residents the keys to their new homes.

Zosa Street project committee spokesman John Slammat said the project, nine years in coming, had also seen the employment of 75% of residents as construction workers.