[Onthebarricades] Service delivery protests, August-September 2008

[global resistance roundup]

Service delivery protests - food, water, electricity, gas

* SUDAN/CHAD: Food uprising at refugee camp, 1 killed
* SOUTH AFRICA - Chatsworth - 100 in service delivery protest, road blockade
* SOUTH AFRICA - Orange Farm - shack-dwellers blockade highway in week 
of service delivery protests
* SOUTH AFRICA - Volksrust - car stoned in protest against local leaders
* SOUTH AFRICA - KwaMashu - politician locked in house over electricity bias
* SOUTH AFRICA - Johannesburg - tyres burnt in housing protest
* SOUTH AFRICA - Protests could grow, says analyst
* KENYA: Locals plan roadblock campaign for development
* GUINEA: Youths target electricity company over shortage
* PAKISTAN: Karachi - Power cuts spark unrest
* PAKISTAN: Power crisis sparks protests
* PAKISTAN: Growers protest warer shortage
* TRINIDAD: Protests for road paving lead to roadblocks
* INDIA: Karnataka - Road protest over poor condition of roads
* INDIA: Puducherry - Groups clash over amenities protest
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - power cuts protest
* TRINIDAD: Roadblock for water supply
* BANGLADESH: Power cuts spark roadblock porotest by industry workers
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu, Omalur - Protest for ration cards
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - Statewide protests over power cut
* INDIA: Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur - Protest over neglect of amenities; 
Kurnool - ration card protest; Eluru - protest against unemployment
* INDIA: Kerala, Thiruvanthapuram - Protest over food price rises
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu, Selaiyur - protest for amenities
* INDIA: Puducherry - Communists protest for amenities
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - Fishermen protest against power cuts; locals 
target amenity suppliers
* IRAN: Tabriz - women protest gas shortage
* SOUTH AFRICA: Cosatu "earned battle stripes" in service protests
* NORTHERN MARIANAS: Saipan - Hundreds protest over power crisis
* UK: Protests over gas bills - "freeze profits not pensioners"

Transport protests
* INDIA: Accident protests in two cities
* INDIA: Ludhiana - Protesters open toll barrier
* MALAYSIA: Residents protest tunnel closure
* CANADA: Residents block street to protest shortcut
* INDIA: Kerala, Kochi - Roads blocked in bad road protest

Disasters
* ALGERIA: Flood survivors demand aid
* NEPAL: Flood displaced persons demand handouts at festival
* INDIA: Bihar - soldiers attack protesting flood survivors
* EGYPT: Rockslide survivors clash with police
* INDONESIA: Lapindo mudslide survivors demand payment


http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=27933&Cr=darfur&Cr1=

Food riot at refugee camp in Darfur kills one, injuries six others – UN

António Guterres on visit to camp Um Shalaya in April 2008
4 September 2008 – One person was killed and six others were injured 
during a food riot inside a camp that houses Chadian refugees in the 
Sudanese region of Darfur, the United Nations High Commissioner for 
Refugees (UNHCR) reports.
The agency said the incident occurred on Tuesday morning at the camp in 
Um Shalaya, about 70 kilometres southeast of El Geneina, the capital of 
West Darfur state.
Hundreds of stick-bearing women demonstrated noisily against a temporary 
reduction in the availability of sorghum, which is widely consumed in 
both Chad and Sudan, because of logistical problems. Continued 
insecurity has made it difficult to safely transport food from El 
Geneina to the camp at Um Shalaya.
UNHCR reports that some members of the crowd took on local police and 
assaulted one of them, despite efforts by aid workers at the scene to 
calm the refugees. The police fired warning shots in the air and, in the 
confusion, a 26-year-old male refugee was hit in the chest and later died.
Three refugees, a 28-year-old man and two men in their 20s, are now 
receiving treatment in El Geneina, while an injured policeman is being 
treated locally.
“The incident is very regrettable and first and foremost we express our 
sympathies to the persons and families of both the refugee community and 
the police who were injured,” said Chrysantus Ache, UNHCR’s 
representative in Sudan.
“We urge calm and restraint by all parties,” Mr. Ache said. “We are 
currently conducting a proper investigation into the incident with the 
Government and we hope that, together with the refugees, we can quickly 
reach an understanding on how to avoid such incidents in the camp in the 
future.”
About 6,600 refugees live in Um Shalaya, with new asylum-seekers 
arriving each month as they flee violence in their home areas of eastern 
Chad, where rebels have been fighting Government forces for months.
UNHCR reports that an estimated 50,000 refugees, mostly Chadian, have 
settled in border areas of Darfur, which has been beset by its own 
deadly conflict between rebels, Government forces and allied militiamen 
since 2003.
This week’s food riot has occurred amid mounting UN concern about 
repeated attacks against humanitarian convoys throughout Darfur, a vast 
and impoverished region on Sudan’s western flank.
The joint UN-African Union peacekeeping mission to the region, known as 
UNAMID, reported that a World Food Programme (WFP) mobile truck was 
carjacked yesterday near Moraya, which is about 55 kilometres northwest 
of Nyala, the South Darfur state capital.
The truck’s drivers were robbed of their money and mobile phones, and 
the whereabouts of the WFP staff members and the vehicle are unknown, 
although the tracking device indicated the truck was heading in the 
general direction of the Jebel Marra area.
Three vehicles belonging to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) were also 
ambushed yesterday by unknown gunmen as the convoy returned from a visit 
to Yara in South Darfur.
A patrol from UNAMID was deployed to rescue the members of the convoy, 
which included a delegation from Khartoum and the head of UNICEF’s 
office in Nyala. Two vehicles were rescued while the third reached Nyala 
with its passengers unharmed but looted of their property.







http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_South%20Africa&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=nw20080829075852426C905849

Chatsworth protesters burn tyres

August 29 2008 at 09:20AM

About a hundred people burnt tyres and blocked roads to protest against 
service delivery in the Chatsworth area on Friday, KwaZulu-Natal police 
said.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Vincent Mdunge said members of the 
community first started burning tyres on Roads 701 and 751 in Chatsworth 
around 5am.

The fire brigade was called in and extinguished the fire.

The protest then moved to Demet Road outside Chatsworth where community 
members again burnt tyres and blocked the road.

Earlier media reports said the protest was connected to taxi violence 
but Mdunge said this was not the case.

"They are angry over the poor service delivery of the councillor [in the 
area]," he said.

Police continued to monitor the scene on Friday morning.

The road was still blocked by 7.30am. - Sapa








http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Crime%20And%20Courts&set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20080915150647575C763874

Orange Farm protesters arrested

September 15 2008 at 03:58PM

Related Articles
• Cops call back-up for Orange Farm ruckus

Eighteen people have been arrested on the Golden Highway, near Soweto, 
where Orange Farm residents burnt tyres and barricaded the road on 
Monday, Johannesburg metro police said.

Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said those arrested had been charged 
with public violence.

They would appear in the Vereeniging magistrate's court soon. Minnaar 
said the protesters had since dispersed and the situation had returned 
to "normal."

Orange Farm residents have been protesting over poor service delivery.

Last week, ten Orange Farm residents were injured and 20 were arrested 
for public violence during a protest.






http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Crime%20And%20Courts&set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20080920085120313C539188

'Protesting is our last resort'

September 20 2008 at 01:36PM

Related Articles
• Angry protesters barricade highway
• Orange Farm protesters arrested
• Residents injured in Orange Farm protest
• Orange Farm residents burn tyres, not shacks
• Protesters burn shacks


When a police Nyala drove through barriers of burning tyres and rubble 
that had been used to barricade the Golden Highway, Bricks Mokolo was 
reminded of the grim events of September 1984.

Then, the protests in the Vaal region against rent increases imposed by 
the Vaal council left almost 50 people dead. For Mokolo, protests on the 
same highway in Orange Farm struck a chord.

It was chaos where he stood. Police sirens and radios blared. Dark 
clouds of smoke from burning tyres billowed.

Mokolo observed the similarities in the manner in which the protests 
were conducted and the reaction by the police against angry protesters. 
But first he had to acknowledge that the demands by the communities were 
slightly different.

This time, only a handful of protesters were arrested, while several 
were wounded by rubber bullets.

"People then were fighting against discriminatory policies based on 
race," he recalled. "Now it is the fight against selective development 
approaches between the rich and the poor."

Over the past two weeks, Orange Farm has been a battleground, with 
police firing rubber bullets at stone-throwing and sjambok-wielding 
protesters who blockaded the highway.

It's nothing new. Residents have made it a habit to blockade the highway 
with rocks and burning tyres demanding service delivery at least once 
every year. It has been the only way for them to focus the authorities' 
attention on their plight.

"Towards the festive season, poor people face more challenges in their 
households than at any other period of the year," explained Mokolo, a 
community leader in the area.

"People want to live and enjoy the festive season with proper 
infrastructure in place. They look at their neighbours living in other 
areas and they suddenly realise they are still deprived even in the new 
dispensation."

Established in 1987, the sprawl of Orange Farm, south of Joburg, has an 
estimated population of more than 350 000. The area remains one of the 
most underdeveloped with its scenery alternating between dusty gravel 
roads and shackland dumping grounds.

There might have been an increase in the number of people who now have 
access to clean water and electricity, but sanitation, roads and houses 
have been elusive.

For Julia Senokoane, life has been hard for 17 years in Driezek 1, 
Orange Farm.

In 2004, her son, the only breadwinner and the person she had hoped 
would built her a house, passed away, leaving two children. Now her 
hopes of getting a proper house are slowing fading.

The 53 year-old lives in a derelict three-room shack with her two 
grandchildren and survives on the children's monthly grant.

She couldn't join hundreds of her neighbours who took their frustration 
to the streets, but she was equally angry and supported the demonstrations.

"We have tried everything possible on this earth, including signing 
petitions and marching peacefully to the local council offices, but 
nothing has changed," says Senokoane. "All I want now is a house - one 
that I can sleep peacefully in with my grandchildren when it rains."

As she continued talking, her voice rose: "For how long shall we wait to 
see a promise of a better life fulfilled?" she asked.

"We have had enough of empty promises by the government, and neglect as 
though we don't exist at all."

Mokolo believes the lack of service delivery has brought new hardships 
in many households in Orange Farm. "This is a silent war that is 
ravaging families and tearing households apart. People are frustrated," 
he added.

People, he continues, were dying silently in their homes. "We last saw 
these kinds of community revolts in the 1980s. The amount of anger I 
have seen here has made me think we could be taken back."

Mokolo's memories of random violence and frustration, with people 
destroying their own communities, are vivid because he took part in the 
Vaal uprisings.

He saw the riots damage many households in other ways. They sent many of 
his comrades on different paths.

He could, he said, have joined those who now sit in council chambers and 
drive around in expensive 4x4s, but he chose to be with the poor, where 
the struggle was yet to end.

The 49-year-old has been instrumental in educating and organising the 
Orange Farm community to stand up and fight for their right to decent 
living conditions and housing delivery.

Still, Aviva Manqa, spokesperson for Gauteng Housing MEC Nomvula 
Mokonyane, insists the government has continuously engaged the community 
on its plans to deliver houses in the area.

"It is strange to us that despite public meetings being held where we 
have constantly reported back to the community about our comprehensive 
plans for development, they still go out and protest," he states. 
"People need to understand that before service delivery of houses, there 
is a lot of paperwork that has to be done."

He believes the government's suspicion of a "third force" being involved 
in the protests was justified, a view Moloko dismisses as 
"apartheid-style rhetoric".

Manqa states that part of the challenge the government faces in faster 
delivery of houses in the area was because some of the land was still in 
private hands.

In addition, he says, the provincial government has to wait for the 
approval of designs for housing by the City of Johannesburg.

"Once the designs are approved we will appoint a service provider for 
the sewer system. Hopefully this will happen soon."

But Professor Sheila Meintjies, of Wits University's political studies 
department, notes that the underlying message in all the service 
delivery protests is that poor people are frustrated, depressed and felt 
the government has failed to live up to its promises.

"There has been a growing problem of discontent among the poor 
communities because unemployment is very high and people can't budge 
from extreme levels of poverty," she says.

Meintjies adds that frustration among communities in informal settlement 
was brought about by a desire to see the better life they had been 
promised since 1994.

Hosiah Hlole, 74, who took part in the protests this week, says 
blockading the highway had become the only mechanism available for the 
community to get the authorities' attention.

"Since 2004 no one has ever bothered to come and explain to us what 
their plans are for developing this area," he says. "We will return to 
the streets to continue until something is done."

Musi Kubheka, a member of the area's street committee, which was set up 
to fight crime, says that despite several pleas made to local 
authorities for the provision of street lights, nothing had happened.

"The reasons they gave us for failing to deliver on their promises in 
the past years have been vague, and that is not what we want at the 
moment," says Kubheka.

"The people want to hear a clear plan to develop their area with 
timeframes on when these developments will be taking place."

"It is not like they are saying they want to overthrow the government," 
reasons Mokolo. "They are merely saying 'we want toilets'."

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2389979,00.html

Tyres burnt in delivery protest
08/09/2008 11:07 - (SA)


Johannesburg - Orange Farm residents burnt tyres on Monday morning in a 
protest over poor service delivery, said Johannesburg metro police.
The large amount of smoke generated by the burning tyres led to people 
reporting that shacks had been burnt, said Inspector Edna Mamonyane.
"We can confirm that no shacks were burnt during the protest," she said.
Reports of shooting could not be confirmed, neither could reports of 
people being injured when police opened fire with rubber bullets.
Mamonyane said metro police received a call at 02:00 about protesters 
intending to blockade the Golden Highway.
"Metro police managed to bring the situation under control and make sure 
that the highway was not blockaded or that anyone was injured," she said.
Describing the situation as "very tense" Mamonyane said metro police 
would remain on the scene to ensure the safety of motorists and road users.
Sebokeng police spokesman Constable Edwin Ntsheo said community members 
were meeting with local councillors, community leaders and the 
provincial government on Monday to discuss a way forward.
• An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that shacks had 
been burnt.






http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Development&set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=nw20080908124819712C361436

Residents injured in Orange Farm protest

September 08 2008 at 12:53PM

Related Articles
• Orange Farm residents burn tyres, not shacks

An unknown number of Orange Farm residents were injured in a protest 
over poor service delivery on Monday, Gauteng police said.

Constable Edwin Ntsheo said an unknown number of people were also 
arrested during the protest.

Residents burnt tyres and threatened to blockade the Golden Highway in 
the protest, which started at 2am, said Johannesburg metro police 
spokesperson Inspector Edna Mamonyane.

"Metro police managed to bring the situation under control and make sure 
that the highway was not blockaded or that anyone was injured," she said.

Describing the situation as "very tense" Mamonyane said metro police 
would remain on the scene to ensure the safety of motorists and road users.

Ntsheo said community members met with local councillors, community 
leaders and the provincial government at 10am on Monday to discuss a way 
forward.

At the meeting residents complained of a lack of a sewerage system, 
toilets, street lights and title deeds for home owners in the settlement 
and said their grievances had not been addressed since 1994.

While other, newer townships were being developed, Orange Farm was not, 
they said, adding that not even undertakers and ambulances could drive 
down the streets between their houses.

At noon on Monday community leaders were reporting back on the meeting 
to residents.

Another meeting would be held at 6pm on Tuesday at Itemogeng in Orange 
Farm, said Ntsheo. - Sapa






http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2390087,00.html

Protest: 10 hurt, 20 arrested
08/09/2008 14:07 - (SA)

Johannesburg - Ten Orange Farm residents were injured during a protest 
over poor service delivery on Monday, Gauteng police said.
Constable Edwin Ntsheo said emergency services took 10 people to 
hospital for injuries described as "not serious".
Twenty people were arrested for public violence during the protest. They 
will appear before the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court soon.
Residents burnt tyres and threatened to blockade the Golden Highway in 
the protest, which started at 02:00, said Johannesburg metro police 
spokesperson Inspector Edna Mamonyane.
"Metro police managed to bring the situation under control and make sure 
that the highway was not blockaded," she said.
Situation 'very tense'
Describing the situation as "very tense", Mamonyane said metro police 
would remain on the scene to ensure the safety of motorists and road users.
Ntsheo said community members met with local councillors, community 
leaders and the provincial government on Monday to discuss a way forward.
At the meeting residents complained of a lack of a sewerage system, 
toilets, street lights and title deeds for home owners in the settlement 
and said their grievances had not been addressed since 1994.
While other, newer townships were being developed, Orange Farm was not, 
they said, adding that not even undertakers and ambulances could drive 
down the streets between their houses.
At noon on Monday community leaders were reporting back on the meeting 
to residents.
Another meeting would be held at 18:00 on Tuesday at Itemoheleng primary 
school in Orange Farm, said Ntsheo.
- SAPA







http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_South%20Africa&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=nw20080908104624249C995732

[NOTE: Report later corrected as false]

Protesters burn shacks

September 08 2008 at 10:50AM

Orange Farm residents torched their shacks in extension 13 on Monday 
morning in a protest about poor service delivery, Johannesburg Metro 
police said.

An unknown number of shacks were burnt, said Inspector Edna Mamonyane. 
Reports of shooting could not be confirmed.

Mamonyane said metro police received a call at 2am about protesters 
intending to blockade the Golden Highway.

"Metro police managed to bring the situation under control and make sure 
that the highway was not blockaded or that anyone was injured," she said.

Describing the situation as "very tense" Mamonyane said metro police 
would remain on the scene to ensure the safety of motorists and road users.

Sebokeng police spokesperson Constable Edwin Ntsheo said community 
members were meeting with local councillors at 10am on Monday to discuss 
service delivery issues. - Sapa









http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Crime%20And%20Courts&set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20080913122922668C993551

Three injured in Volksrust protests

September 13 2008 at 01:45PM


Three people were injured by protesters throwing stones from Vukuzakhe 
township in Volkrust, Mpumulanga police said on Saturday.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Abie Khoabane said protesters from 
Vukuzakhe township were busy throwing stones on Wakkerstroom road at 
11:30 pm on Friday night.

They attacked a car passing by with two men and a woman inside.

"They wanted to burn the vehicle but... police quickly arrived on the 
scene," said Khoabane.

He said the police called an ambulance to take the three people from the 
car who had been injured to hospital.

By Saturday morning, two of the injured had already been released from 
hospital.

No arrests have been made. The vehicle was badly damaged, said Khoabane.

Residents of the area have been protesting over the last week because 
they allege the mayor and municipal manager of the Pixley ka Seme 
municipality are corrupt and should be removed from power.

Protesters have been barricading roads, burning tyres and throwing 
stones and there has been a strong police presence in the area.

Khoabane said on Saturday morning the area was quiet.

Earlier this week, two groups of twenty people were arrested on charges 
of malicious damage to property and public violence.

Khoabane said the first group arrested on Monday, including three 
minors, were granted bail on Tuesday.

However, a second group of people, including four minors, were denied 
bail after fears rose that if they were released they would return to 
committing public violence, said Khoabane.

Protesters would appear in court again on October 6.

Last month 13 people appeared in court for arson after four houses in 
Vukuzakhe were burnt down. A councillor's car and a police vehicle were 
also damaged.

This followed protests in late July, caused by residents' apparent 
unhappiness about the municipality not consulting them on rate 
increases. - Sapa








http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_South%20Africa&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20080912144905117C357492

Protesters lock ward member in house

September 12 2008 at 03:04PM

By Thandiwe Mthethwa

Residents of Siyanda in KwaMashu, north of Durban, have been urged to be 
patient for service delivery.

This plea came from the councillor of the area, Mduduzi Madondo, after 
some community members marched to a ward committee member's home, locked 
her in her house and demanded speedy service delivery.

Some houses do not have electricity and running water.

The angry protesters stormed Ntombizethu Mhlongo's house in the early 
hours of Tuesday.

They demanded she call Madondo because they claimed he had refused to 
listen to their grievances when they approached his office.

Mhlongo was locked in her home for almost four hours and was freed by 
police, who managed to disperse the crowd.

"The people were angry because my house is one of the ones that have 
electricity in Siyanda. They felt this was favouritism because I am on 
the ward committee.

Grievances

"I understand the people's frustration - there are many problems with 
the infrastructure," said Mhlongo.

She said residents told her that they would target all the people in the 
ward committee unless their grievances were dealt with by the councillor.

Madondo, who arrived with the police to disperse the crowd of 300 
protesters, said people should wait their turn because power would 
eventually be supplied to every house in Siyanda.

"The residents were angry because some of their neighbours have 
electricity, but they must understand that all the houses will have 
electricity, it is just a matter of time," said Madondo.







http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Development&set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=nw20080930093456211C154882

Marlboro residents protest

September 30 2008 at 09:42AM


Residents of Marlboro in northern Johannesburg are burning tyres in a 
protest over housing, Gauteng police said on Tuesday.

"Residents are disgruntled about government's allocation of housing in 
the area. Tyres are being set alight on Old Pretoria Main Road and 
Fourth Street," said Constable Neria Malefetse. - Sapa













http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=80741

SOUTH AFRICA: Protests over delivery likely to grow

Photo: Bonile Bam/IRIN

Residents are angry at the slow pace of delivery
JOHANNESBURG, 3 October 2008 (IRIN) - Violent protests over service 
delivery in South Africa are likely to grow ahead of the elections 
scheduled for 2009, said an analyst, one of the authors of a new report 
on local governance.

"The split in the ruling African National Congress (ANC), between 
[former President] Thabo Mbeki and [party president Jacob] Zuma will 
feed into factionalism at the local government level, which is one of 
the main factors hampering delivery at the moment," said Benjy Mautjane, 
a coordinator at the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), a 
local think-tank.

Mbeki resigned his post as South Africa's president in September after 
the ANC's executive body, controlled by supporters of ANC president 
Jacob Zuma, made Mbeki's position untenable, putting Zuma in pole 
position as the ruling party's preferred presidential candidate in the 
2009 elections.

"South Africa is highly politicised and there is a level of 
disgruntlement among the people which is manipulated by political 
factions, which then leads to protests and riots over delivery," said 
Mautjane, who, along with two other IDASA researchers, looked at the 
state of governance in 16 municipalities.

Local government is the only tier of government in South Africa where 
representatives are directly elected by the people, and serves as a 
credible measure of a political party's popular support.
South Africa is highly politicised and there is a level of 
disgruntlement among the people which is manipulated by political 
factions, which then leads to protests and riots over delivery

"South African citizens are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality 
and quantity of services provided by local government," said the IDASA 
study. "This is despite the fact that local government in South Africa 
has improved its service delivery substantively over the past ten years, 
at a pace and extent rarely seen anywhere in the world."

Since 2004 there have been protests, often violent, over the perceived 
slow pace of delivery of basic municipal services such as water, 
electricity and housing. Many analysts say the country's high 
unemployment rate has also fed into social unrest over delivery, and 
have even identified the recent xenophobic attacks as an extension of 
the service delivery protests.

According to the government's 'Labour Force Survey 2007', about a 
quarter of a workforce numbering nearly 17 million - 4.3 million in a 
population of 47.7 million - are officially unemployed; a further 3.5 
million are classified as "discouraged work-seekers" or "unemployed 
persons who are available to work but who say that they are not actively 
looking for work".

Besides political manoeuvrings, there is a level of disconnectedness 
between the citizens and their municipalities, said Mautjane. "Citizens 
generally feel further removed from [local] government and from 
'development', and increasingly show consumerist behaviour patterns, and 
demand more and better services on the one hand, while being less 
willing to contribute to local development through their own actions and 
initiatives on the other hand."

In 2004/05 alone there were 881 illegal demonstrations and 5,085 legal 
protests across 90 percent of municipalities, according to the Centre 
for Development and Enterprise, a South African think-tank focusing on 
development issues in relation to economic growth and democracy.

The IDASA study found that representatives were partly to blame. 
"Elected representatives must be more transparent about decision-making 
processes - including providing proper feedback to ward committees, 
communities and citizens who have complaints or proposals," said Mautjane.

During the course of their study, the researchers came across a 
municipality in Limpopo Province, in northern South Africa, where 
councillors provided regular feedback to their constituencies through a 
communication network. "It encourages communities to take initiatives 
and participate in the decision-making process," said Mautjane.

Councils should act more as facilitators and catalysts than as 
implementers, said the study, and "help citizens to solve their own 
problems and not necessarily solve their problems for them."







http://allafrica.com/stories/200809260159.html

Kenya: Residents Plan to Block Major Road in Protest
Jonathan Manyindo
25 September 2008

Nairobi — Community leaders in Taita District have threatened to 
mobilise residents to blockade the Mombasa-Nairobi highway in protest 
against poor service delivery by the Government.
Despite support
Taita-Taveta County Council vice- chairman Jones Mganga and Maktau 
councillor Fulmence Mshilla bluntly told Coast provincial commissioner 
Ernest Munyi that despite supporting the Government since Independence, 
little had been done to develop the area.
"Money for development projects is misappropriated by Government 
officials and as a result, a lot of them are never completed," they alleged.
They said to avert confrontation the Government must surface the 
Mwatate-Taveta road, complete Kigombo dam and supply water from the 
planned Mzima Two project.
They accused the Government of reneging on a promise to surface the Voi 
Taveta road.
"If the work does not start before the end of the year, you must be 
prepared to kill some of us because there will be no movement on the 
major highway," Mr Mshilla said.
Not take off
He said that at the height of last year's election campaign, President 
Kibaki promised that work on the road would start before December "but 
up to now nothing is happening".
Mr Mganga warned that the Mzima Phase Two pipeline would not take off 
unless the dry regions of the district were incorporated in the design.
Urging the leaders to be patient, Mr Munyi said the Taveta road had been 
redesigned and work was likely to start next year.







http://allafrica.com/stories/200809110014.html

Guinea: Youths Pledge Continued Demonstrations Until Lights Come on
10 September 2008

Conakry — Sporadic youth-led demonstrations have rocked blacked-out 
neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Guinea's capital Conakry during the 
past week.
Altogether, hundreds of youths have demonstrated in near-darkness, lit 
only by dozens of burning vehicles, against the state-run Electricity of 
Guinea (EDG), the country's sole electricity source.
On the evenings of 08 and 09 September, demonstrators set up barricades 
in Hamdallaye I, Bambeto and Cosa, neighbourhoods that have not had 
regular electricity for three months.
Deputy chief Kandas Conde with government mobile security unit said some 
youths were briefly detained, then released, during the most recent 
demonstrations. "We released them in order to avoid public outcry." 
Security forces at the demonstrations dispersed the youths with tear gas.
One youth from Cosa, who chose to remain anonymous, said he believed the 
cuts are intentional."We cannot understand how during this rainy season 
we can be deprived of water [available through electric water pumps] and 
light. This is an affront to residents here. Whereas in Kaloum, in 
downtown Conakry, there is electricity 24 hours a day. We will continue 
to protest until Electricity of Guinea gives us light."
He said supporters of the presidential ruling Party of Unity and 
Progress mostly live downtown whereas activists from the opposition 
Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea are concentrated in the blacked-out 
sections of town.
But the state electricity company's director general, Sekou Sandfina 
Diakite, told IRIN the cuts are simply because Conakry's electricity 
demand has outstripped available supply. "Conakry needs about 200 
megawatts of energy whereas EDG can only supply 120 megawatts."
Another EDG official, Abdoulaye Camara, says 2,000 litres of oil are 
needed every hour to keep two of the main generators running. "It is 
impossible for EDG to keep up operations with recent oil price increases."
Electricity problems were one of main grievances of demonstrators during 
weeks-long deadly strikes during early 2007 in Guinea that shuttered 
businesses and claimed more than 100 lives.







http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=135887

Persistent load-shedding stirs power riots Monday, September 15, 2008
By our correspondents

Karachi

Owing to persistent power outages, angry consumers of the Karachi 
Electric Supply Company (KESC) took to the streets and resorted to 
rioting on Sunday. This resulted in traffic jams in various parts of the 
city.

Angry residents of Mirza Adam Khan Road, Lyari, took to the streets 
against unending power outages in their area. They blocked the road, 
torched tyres and also attacked the area KESC office. They were, 
however, dispersed by the police in a couple of hours.

Similarly, the residents of Nazimabad, Abul Hasan Isphani Road, Peerabad 
and Korangi-5 launched protests against the continuous power outages and 
pelted the KESC office with stones. They shouted slogans against the 
KESC, and demanded that the authorities concerned resolve the power 
crisis since they had been paying huge taxes to the government.

Powers riots were also reported near Spencer Hospital Road where the 
protesters pelted moving vehicles with stones and blocked the traffic 
flow for more than two hours. Later, police managed to disperse the mob.

Similar protests were also witnessed at Pahar Ganj (within the 
Shahrah-e-Noor Jehan police limits), Kalakot, Chakiwara, Miraan Naka, 
Maulamadad Stop, Baghdadi, Kalri, Kharadar, Mithadar, Eidgah, Dhobi 
Gaath, Usmanabad and Shoe Market.

Prolonged power outages were reported in Mehmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, 
Baloch Colony, Korangi Crossing, Qayyumabad, Bhittaiabad, Korangi-2 ž, 
Ibrahim Hyderi, Zaman Town, Landhi, Sharifabad, Bilal Colony (Korangi 
Industrial Area), Landhi-36B, Muzzafarabad Colony and Mansehra Colony.

Power outages hit almost entire city: The tripping of extra-high tension 
wire caused serious power failure on Sunday in many localities of 
Orangi, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, North Karachi, New Karachi, Malir, 
Landhi and Korangi.

Almost all residential localities in the city experienced at least seven 
hours of load-shedding during the daytime alone. There were also reports 
of power outages during Suhoor in several localities. The electricity 
outages have also caused a water shortage in many areas.

In Golimar, a mob blocked the road and disrupted vehicular traffic in 
the area. They shouted slogans against prolonged and unending 
load-shedding. The residents of Kaemari, Jackson Market, Kala Pul and 
Liaquatabad also blocked vehicular traffic and burnt tyres on roads.

The people complained that recent power crisis has also affected their 
uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system as the UPS units were not being 
properly charged due to frequent power shutdowns and voltage fluctuations.

A caller from SMCHS said that their area suffered more than 10 power 
outages , with an interval of 20 minutes between each breakdown. A 
resident of North Karachi’s Sector 5C-4 said that their power supply was 
suspended at 10am and it resumed after 4pm, adding, they made many 
attempts to lodge complaints with the KESC centre but not a single call 
was attended by the staff.

A woman from Gulshan-e-Maymar said that they were facing at least five 
hours of load-shedding. She said there was a voltage fluctuation during 
Suhoor and this has been happening for the last couple of days.

Residents of Gulshan-e-Jauhar Block-9 said that they suffered three 
spells of one-hour load-shedding with an hour’s interval between each 
spell. Load-shedding started soon after Suhoor, and lasted till noon. 
Another outage occurred at 1pm and continued till 3pm, they said.

Residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal blocks 1, 5 and 13-D said that they were 
without electricity since 10am while the KESC staff were unable to give 
any reason for the unannounced load-shedding on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the absence of electricity during the hot and humid weather 
has also affected the water distribution system and people from many 
areas could not fill their underground water tanks.







http://www.nowpublic.com/world/pakistan-bursts-protests-power-crisis-deepens

Pakistan bursts into protests as power crisis deepens
by hussain | August 28, 2008 at 10:33 pm
138 views | 7 Recommendations | 5 comments
The people in various cities and towns of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 
/>Pakistan have taken to streets against the unannounced power outages, 
extending up to 20 hours a day in some areas, as the power crisis in the 
country is deepening with every passing day.
Protesters in various areas are losing their patience and tempers and 
venting their resentment by torching tyres on roads, blocking traffic on 
roads and chanting slogans against the power distribution companies as 
well as the government.
Besides affecting general public in the hot and humid weather conditions 
in the country, the power crisis is badly affecting the industries and 
triggering multiple crises in the country. People are also complaining 
of faults in the household electric appliances because of low voltage 
and unexpected power outages with short intervals.
“Besides the terrorism incidents, several other crises including power 
shortage have made life of people miserable but it seems the rulers have 
no time to address other problems except serving the US interests and 
political manoeuvrings,” said Saqib Nisar, a resident of Rawalpindi, 
while criticising the coalition government led by the Pakistan People’s 
Party.
“People are committing suicides because of hunger and poverty but the 
rulers seem oblivious to the miseries of the people. They are busy in 
multiplying problems of masses in the name of serving the poor. It seems 
the country is being pushed to chaos and anarchy under a well-knit 
conspiracy,” commented another angry protester in Rawalpindi, declining 
to identify himself. “Rulers are employing diverse tactics to eliminate 
the poor.”






http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=131771

Growers protest against water shortage Monday, August 25, 2008
By our correspondent

NAUSHAHRO FEROZE: The tail-end growers of Dalipota took out a rally and 
staged a demonstration in front of the Naushahro Feroze Press Club on 
Sunday to protest against the non-availability of water.

Protesters, led by Shah Nawaz Lakho, raised slogans against the 
Irrigation authorities. Talking to journalists, they said influential 
landlords had installed pipes in minors and were lifting water through 
suction motors. They accused them of breaking watercourse points and 
that they were taking water beyond their share. ìAs a result, the 
growers are suffering losses,î Lakho said.

The protestors said they had approached the SDO Irrigation of Tharushah 
and the XEN Moro several times but their complaints were not heard. They 
demanded of the Sindh chief minister and the Irrigation minister to take 
action against influential landlords and provide them justice.






http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161369406

Fiery protests in Central
Carolyn Kissoon South Bureau

Thursday, August 28th 2008

BAD-ROAD BLOCKADE: Charlieville residents and passers-by view one of the 
fiery blockades at Caroni Savannah Road yesterday. -Photo: KRISHNA MAHARAJ
Bad roads sparked an early morning protest yesterday, as angry residents 
burned old tyres and used rusty appliances to block the main road in 
Charlieville, Central Trinidad.
They came out around 4.30 a.m., bringing old refrigerators, washing 
machines and vehicle parts.
The protest caused a massive traffic pile-up along the Caroni Savannah 
Road as commuters hustled to get to work on time.
Rasheed Karim, a resident, said motorists have been battling with bad 
roads for almost three months.
"The roads were repaired and then WASA came and dug the main road up to 
fix a pipeline. The line was repaired but the road was not fixed. They 
left it in a terrible state and we have to deal with that," he said.
Karim said several food outlets were forced to close because of the roads.
"The dust on the roads getting into the food places and because of these 
unsanitary conditions people stopped buying, so the owners had to shut 
down their businesses. A barbecue stall and another food court were 
among the places closed," he said.
Karim added: "For too long we have been sacrificing and driving our cars 
along this road. But we have had enough. We came out here this morning 
because we are fed up, we cannot take this anymore. Someone has to do 
something about this. WASA cannot come and dig up the roads and leave."
Police arrived about three hours into the protest, accompanied by a team 
of fire fighters. They removed the debris and warned the residents 
against blocking the road. But as the officers drove away, the residents 
returned with old appliances, blocking the flow of traffic.
"We are shutting down the Caroni Savannah Road today. And we intend to 
continue this protest until something is done. And if this does not work 
we would protest on the highway because we need some answers," Karim said.
An official at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said he was not 
aware of the situation, but promised to investigate the residents' 
concerns.







http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161375401


San Francique protesters complain of 'house arrest'
'Forced to stay indoors'
Phoolo Danny-Maharaj South Bureau

Saturday, September 13th 2008

Villagers at San Francique claimed yesterday that they were put under 
"house arrest" on Thursday night by police who attempted to break up 
their protests for road repairs.
They said following their protests earlier that day, police patrolled 
the area "all night long and warned us to stay indoors or be arrested 
for disturbing the peace".
"Uniformed police officers with guns patrolled the area on Thursday 
night and warned people to stay off the streets," a villager said 
yesterday.
A police official denied that they threatened anyone.
"We just warned them not to gather in large groups. And they were not 
under house arrest," he said.
The villagers threw debris and burned tyres at strategic points between 
Murray and Saltmine Traces for the second consecutive day yesterday. 
They are demanding road repairs and maintenance to clogged drains that 
caused "floods with the slightest rain".
They said Murray Trace, which is a main thoroughfare for vehicles 
travelling to and from Siparia, had worsened because of constant heavy 
traffic. No maintenance work was carried out on the road for more than 
15 years, villagers also claimed. The Siparia Regional Corporation is 
responsible for the road.
Ivan St Clair, councillor for the area, could not be reached yesterday. 
Late yesterday, the corporation sent in workmen to patch potholes in the 
area. But villagers said "we do not want that, we want proper road paving".
Police stood guard to allow the workers to clear the road, and waited 
for the material to arrive for the repairs to begin. But up to 4 p.m. 
there was no sign of any material. Villagers said they planned to 
continue the protest.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/14/stories/2008091452870300.htm

Karnataka - Hassan

KRV protests poor condition of roads
Staff Correspondent
Lorries transporting iron ore prevented from travelling to Mangalore
________________________________________
Continuous movement of lorries carrying iron ore has damaged roads
They were stranded on the road between
6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
________________________________________
HASSAN: Vehicular movement near Dairy Circle here came to standstill on 
Saturday as members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Praveen Shetty 
group) resorted to a “rasta roko” in protest against the poor condition 
of roads in the district, particularly Arsikere taluk.
Vehicles going to Bangalore, Shimoga, Hubli, Dharmasthala, Chikmagalur, 
Mangalore and Madikeri have to pass through this circle, and as the 
agitators stopped them for more than an hour, several vehicles were 
stranded on both sides of the road. The protesters stopped lorries 
carrying iron ore, which were proceeding to Mangalore, and made them 
park on one side of the road. These lorries were stranded from 6 a.m. to 
6 p.m.
‘Nothing done’
Addressing the protesters, founder president of the vedike, Praveen 
Shetty, said the movement of heavy vehicles, particularly those carrying 
iron ore, had damaged most roads. He charged the district administration 
with not having done anything to repair them.
‘Funds not released’
The former Minister and Congress leader B. Shivaram said the 
Arsikere-Hassan road and the Dudda-Tiptur road, which were part of the 
Gandsi Assembly Constituency (earlier represented by him), were the 
worst hit due to movement of heavy vehicles.
He said the then Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had started work on 
this road at an estimated cost of Rs. 2 crore.
But, as Gandsi was represented by him (Shivaram), the then Public Works 
Minister H.D. Revanna did not release any funds for the project.
Mr. Shivaram charged Mr. Revanna with focussing only on Holenarsipur.
After reorganisation of Assembly constituencies, Gandsi was split into 
three, parts of which were attached to Holenarsipur, Arsikere and Hassan 
constituencies. Now, even if Revanna wanted to develop the road, he 
would be unable to do so as he too was in the Opposition.
Railway mode
The former Sakleshpur MLA H.M. Viswanath wanted transportation of iron 
ore through railway wagons only. Roads could then be easily maintained, 
he added.
District president of the vedike Dharmaraj Kadaga said they would 
continue their agitation till work on these roads began.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092753500300.htm

Other States - Puducherry

Police resort to mild force to disperse clashing groups
Staff Reporter
PUDUCHERRY: Police on Friday resorted to “mild force” to disperse two 
groups that came to blows during a demonstration in front of the 
Sub-Collector’s Office in Villianur.
According to the Villianur police, organising secretary of Viduthalai 
Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) S. Pavanan had sought permission to hold a 
demonstration to protest the delay in providing basic amenities in a 
colony at Villianur. As the agitation started, another group led by 
Tamil Nadu State Committee member of VCK Thalayari came to the venue to 
stage a counter protest, despite objection from the police.
As tussle broke out between the two groups, the police resorted to mild 
force to disperse the crowd.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100253050300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Palani residents protest frequent power cuts
Staff Reporter
“Supply is erratic and shutdown continues for seven hours”
PALANI: A large number of Muslims picketed the Palani-Dindigul highway 
near the central bus stand here on Wednesday, condemning frequent power 
cuts. Traffic was disrupted for an hour.
They alleged that despite appeals not to cut power during their prayer 
time, power supply was snapped . Even as the scheduled power shutdown 
was between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. it was not resumed till 2 p.m., they said.
Such widespread disgust over power crisis was restricted to Palani town 
but prevalent in the entire district for the past three days. The 
situation turned from bad to worse in both rural and urban areas as the 
TNEB snapped supply frequently. Even as the scheduled power shutdown was 
only for five hours, power supply was erratic and power crisis continued 
for seven hours at several places. The condition was worst in villages.
They got power neither in daytime nor at night hours properly.
Many villages plunged into darkness for several hours continuously at 
night.
Worst affected are students in tenth and plus two classes, particularly 
rural areas.
“Sometimes, power supply was not resumed even two hours after the 
scheduled three-hour power shutdown. We could not plan our work,” said 
local people.
Earlier, the TNEB engineers had announced that power shutdown would be 
between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. and noon in 
Dindigul every day.
But they did not follow these schedules. They cut power supply from half 
an hour to one hour before and after the scheduled time.
On an average, actual period of power shutdown has been extended to six 
to seven hours in the town and eight to nine hours in rural areas 
without any announcement.
Already, industrial and business activities have been completely paralysed.
While big industries that have diesel generators have managed run the 
mill at least for one shift, small and tiny industries have been reeling 
under acute power crisis.








http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161379519

Car crashes into road-protest debris
-Carolyn Kissoon

Wednesday, September 24th 2008

Eager to get to work on time, a motorist drove his car into a pile of 
debris which was used to block the main road leading to Point Fortin by 
angry protesters before daybreak yesterday.
Police said the car crashed into a rusty water tank. The driver was 
unhurt, but the car had to be towed away. The driver told police that 
although his headlights were turned on, he was unable to see the debris 
on the roadway.
The accident occurred around 4.30 a.m., about an hour after residents 
began their protest near Vance River, La Brea. Police were called out to 
remove the debris.
Ryan Lucas, a resident, said promises by the Water and Sewerage 
Authority (WASA) to have a regular supply of pipe-borne water in the 
community have not been fulfilled.
"Since 2004 we have been staging protests over our poor water supply, 
but nothing is being done about it. WASA promised that we would have 
water in our taps in August 2004. The water came, but it did not last 
for long. Soon afterwards the taps went dry again," he said.
Lucas said around 3.30 a.m. residents brought out old water tanks and 
appliances to block the roadway in an effort to highlight their concerns.
He said residents were later informed that WASA had promised to open the 
valves in the afternoon. "And I opened my taps this afternoon and there 
was water in the taps. I just hope they continue to open the valves and 
allow us to do our daily chores comfortably," he said.







http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/DHA58449.htm

Bangladeshis block highway to protest power outage
24 Aug 2008 09:41:10 GMT
Source: Reuters
DHAKA, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Bangladesh factory workers blocked a national 
highway on Sunday to protest against frequent power outage that idles 
their mills and deprives them of jobs, police said.
Several thousand workers from textile and jute mills rallied at 
Narsingdi, 50 km (31 miles) northeast of the capital Dhaka, blocking 
traffic on the busy Dhaka-Sylhet highway for more than three hours.
"The protesters withdrew the blockade after relevant authorities assured 
them to try to reduce the power outage," a police officer said.
Officials of the state-managed Power Development Board said 
uninterrupted electric supply was not possible immediately due to fall 
in generation capacity.
Bangladesh's electricity generation has fallen to 4,300 megawatts 
against a requirement of 5,500 MW, due to mechanical faults and shortage 
of natural gas.
"We have to sit idle and lose our wages when factory remain closed due 
to power outage," a protest leader said.
Bangladesh fetches around $11 billion annually from textile exports.
Consumers often stage violent protest demanding adequate supply of 
electricity and other utilities in the country.
(Reporting by Nizam Ahmed; editing by Elaine Hardcastle)













http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/19/stories/2008081952210300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Demonstration staged
Staff Reporter
OMALUR: Residents of Maniyakkaranur staged a demonstration here on 
Monday urging the district administration to provide rice to all the 
eligible cardholders.
The residents claimed that only 200 cardholders were given rice in the 
fair price shop.
They wanted the administration to supply PDS goods including rice to all 
the eligible cardholders.




http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083053170300.htm


Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur

Protest in council over undeclared power cut
Staff Reporter
AIADMK, MDMK councillors enter with lighted candles
—Photo: M. Srinath

ALLAYING FEARS; Collector M. S. Shanmugam addressing a farmers’ 
grievance day meeting in Thanjavur on Friday.
THANJAVUR: AIADMK and MDMK councillors in Thanjavur Municipality came 
with lighted candles to the council meeting held here on Friday to 
highlight the power cut problem faced by the people in Thanjavur.
They shouted slogans against the Tamil Nadu Government, which they 
alleged, has pushed the State into darkness.
Thenmozhi Jayabal, Chairperson, said that power cut existed throughout 
Tamil Nadu and it was due to fall in generation. The demand could not be 
met with less generation of power. Once the situation improves, power 
cut would be lifted, she said.
Manikandan, a councillor, said that vacancies in the Municipality were 
not filled because of which there was no adequate workforce.
Municipal Commissioner Soundarajan said that expenditure was now more 
than 49 per cent and hence new appointments could not be made. The 
Municipality had increased property and other taxes. Once the revenue 
improves, new appointments would be made, he said.
Plea to Collector
Farmers of the district expressed concern and appealed to Collector M. 
S. Shanmugham to provide 20 hours three-phase supply to agriculture 
pumpsets.
They said that power cut prevailed for the whole day or night in the 
villages and many villages could not get water to drink.
Agreeing with them that power shortage remained a major problem, the 
Collector, who presided over the meeting, said that power should be 
shared by all.
He said that he would convey their feelings to the Government and appeal 
to it to find ways to solve the problem. With respect to drinking water, 
village panchayat presidents have been asked to ensure that the overhead 
tank is filled regularly and water supplied. Tamil Nadu Electricity 
Board engineers have been asked to ensure power supply to reach drinking 
water in the villages.
TNEB engineers said that the daily requirement of Thanjavur district was 
80 Mwt of power. At present, only 30 Mwt of power is available. The 
daily requirement of Tamil Nadu is 8,000 Mwt per day and the 
availability is only 6,000 Mwt.
The Collector said that electricity, water, seeds and fertiliser and 
loans were the four major components required by the farmers to do 
cultivation.
While nothing much could be done on the electricity front as it depended 
upon the generation of power, water position was slowly improving with a 
good inflow into the Mettur Dam. There was also a seed scarcity. Efforts 
were being made to get seeds from other districts.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083060600600.htm


Tamil Nadu

Protest over power cut
Staff Reporter
WATRAP: Over 500 farmers and women staged a road roko here on Friday 
protesting unannounced powers cut for up to 9 hours every day in the 
last week. Bus services were crippled and shops remained closed for four 
hours.
The protest that began around 10 a.m. went up to 3 p.m. The women, who 
squatted with empty pots highlighting the drinking water shortage owing 
to frequent power cuts, stood ground until there was an assurance from 
the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board to stop unannounced power cuts.
The Srivilliputtur MLA, T. Ramasamy, who held talks with the officials 
said, “Frequent power failures have put the farming community and women 
to untold hardships. We do not know when power will go off or supply 
continue for how long. We face power failure for at least 9 hours a 
day.” The town faced frequent power cuts throughout the nights, he added.
Stating that it was the right time for transplantation of seedlings, Mr. 
Ramasamy said that the seedlings in many places had started 
drying.“Besides, transplantation could not be taken up for paucity of 
water,” he said.
Attributing the frequent power failures to a technical hitch, a TNEB 
official promised to rectify it.













http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/03/stories/2008090350080200.htm


Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin

Protest against load shedding
Staff Reporter
— Photo: N. Rajesh.

AGITATION: Advocates staging a protest in Tuticorin on Tuesday.
TUTICORIN: Advocates of Tuticorin staged a protest on Tuesday against 
load shedding by holding candles. The agitation was held on the district 
court premises. The advocates raised slogans against both the State and 
Centre for their “failure” to manage the power crisis.
U.S. Sekar, district advocates’ wing secretary of the AIADMK, said that 
court proceedings were coming to a standstill every day, owing to load 
shedding.
Frequent sheddings caused inconvenience to students, said A. 
Senguttuvan, former president of Bar Association.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100454670500.htm

Karnataka

Farmers to stage protest today
KOLAR: The Kolar taluk unit of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha has 
given a call to lay a siege to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company 
Circle Office here on Saturday to register its protest against erratic 
power supply in the district. Activists of the sangha campaigned in 
several places on Friday to mobilise the support of the people. “The 
power crisis reflects the inefficiency of the BJP Government in the 
State,” claimed Holur Shankar, taluk president of the sangha. — Staff 
Correspondent
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/17/stories/2008091759600300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Demonstration
TIRUCHI: PMK cadres, led by the party city secretary Umanath, staged a 
demonstration in the city and elsewhere in the district on Tuesday 
condemning the frequent power cuts across the State. Demonstrations were 
also held at Mannachanallur, Lalgudi, Musiri and Tiruverambur.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/17/stories/2008091752340300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Salem

PMK members stage demonstration in protest against power cuts
Special Correspondent
SALEM: Members of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) staged a demonstration 
here on Tuesday demanding the immediate resignation of State Electricity 
Minister Arcot N. Veerasamy for continuous power cuts in the State.
They said that the power cuts had affected the industry and agriculture 
very badly.
After taking out a procession they assembled before the Collectorate 
Complex and staged a brief demonstration.
They raised slogans against the Minister saying that he had failed to 
take adequate precautionary measures to tackle the power crisis.
Though the timings for power cuts were announced, the Tamil Nadu 
Electricity Board was resorting to unscheduled power cuts too, thus 
forcing the farmers and industrial sector people to suffer heavily.
Because of the power cuts, even hospitals were not spared and 
educational institutions could not function fully.
They also condemned the arrest of the Mugaiyur PMK MLA Kalivaradhan for 
approaching TNEB officials on the issue of power cut.
State Deputy general secretary and Omalur MLA A. Tamilarasu, Urban 
District secretary Kadir Rajarathinam, Central secretary A. Sivasankaran 
and State youth wing secretary R. Arul spoke.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/12/stories/2008091252730300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Salem

Demonstration staged against power cuts
Staff Reporter
‘It has affected all sections of society’
Photo: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

Expressing displeasure: Members of DYFI and AIDWA staging a 
demonstration in Salem, protesting against frequent power cuts. —
SALEM: Members of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and All 
India Democratic Women’s Association(AIDWA) staged a demonstration in 
front of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board office at Saminathapuram here on 
Thursday protesting against frequent power cuts that were being imposed.
The continuing power shortage in the State has severely affected all 
sections of society.
As a result of the prevailing situation, a large number of workers have 
been rendered job less.
It had also led to increase in incidences of theft and robbery in 
several parts of the State. A number of house breaking incidents during 
the power cuts were reported in the district.
If the situation continued, it would hit the normal life of the people, 
members pointed out.
Family cards
Members also wanted the State Government to provide family cards to all 
eligible applicants without any delays. The smuggling of goods meant for 
supply under the public distribution system should be prevented.
Public toilets should be constructed in Duraisamy Nagar and Chinneri 
Vayal Kadu, they demanded.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/10/stories/2008091057580200.htm


Tamil Nadu - Ramanathapuram

CPI(M) cadres’ novel demonstration
Special Correspondent


Protest: The CPI(M) cadres staging a protest in Ramanathapuram on Tuesday.
RAMANATHAPURAM: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday 
expressed resentment over the acute shortage of power by breaking 
television sets.Fifteen cadres including Venkatesan, town secretary, 
were arrested by the police for not paying heed to the regulations 
imposed by them.
Though the police had given permission to hold demonstration against the 
power shortage, they disallowed the move of the CPI (M) cadres to break 
television sets.
However, the cadres, who assembled at Taluk office suddenly, broke the 
television sets, which were concealed by them, to express their 
dissatisfaction over the handling of power situation by the State 
Government.
Following this, the police took them away to the police station. They 
shouted slogans against the Government’s inability to provide power 
supply round the clock. They said people were being subjected to untold 
hardships due to power cuts. Traders, students, business, housewives and 
others were struggling because of frequent power cuts. Many small scale 
units and ice plants in the district were severely hit.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/09/stories/2008090955240500.htm

Tamil Nadu

Demonstration staged
Staff Reporter
— Photo: M. Balaji

Against power cuts: Members of Communist Party of India staging a 
demonstration in Tirupur on Monday.
Tirupur: Members of Communist Party of India staged demonstrations at 
four places here on Monday in protest against the frequent power 
failures in the city.
They pointed out that the ‘announced’ and ‘unannounced’ load shedding 
for about eight hours a day had started threatening the industrial 
potential of the city considerably. Many small and medium scale textile 
units were forced to stop production owing to power holidays, since it 
was not financially viable for such firms to opt for captive power 
generation.
Similarly, load shedding during untimely hours in the night had 
disturbed children.
According to CPI men, the government should take proactive measures to 
introduce schemes to augment power generation in the State and take 
steps to obtain more power from the Central grid to tide over power 
crisis. Hundreds of people took part in the agitation.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/06/stories/2008090657990300.htm


Tamil Nadu

Demonstrations against erratic load shedding
Staff Reporter
CPI, MDMK stage demo in Pudukottai; traders down shutters

ANXIOUS: AIADMK cadres staging a demonstration against erratic power 
supply in front of the TNEB office in Karur on Friday. (Right) Communist 
Party of India (CPI) cadres staging a demonstration in Pudukottai.
KARUR: Cadres of the AIADMK staged a demonstration in front of the TNEB 
Superintending Engineer’s office on the Kovai Road here on Friday 
protesting the frequent and unscheduled load shedding in the town that 
was hugely affecting the business and industrial activity of Karur.
Speakers demanded the resignation of the DMK ministry owning 
responsibility for the ‘power fiasco’ that is plaguing the State.
Leading the protest, former Union Minister and AIADMK propaganda 
secretary M. Thambi Durai said that power shut down in the district was 
affecting the textile exporters, power looms, handlooms, mosquito net 
manufacturing units, bus body building units, farm pump sets and 
throwing the normal life of public out of gear.
He squarely blamed ``poor management of power sector” for the fiasco.
“CM must resign”
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi should assume moral responsibility for the 
power crisis, resign and face the people in the elections. If he was 
thinking that Re. One a kg rice scheme would bail him out in polls he 
has misread the situation. Rise in prices of essentials, gas cylinder 
shortage, fuel scarcity, and such other things that have hurt the people 
the most, Mr. Thambi Durai claimed.
The former Union Minister also charged the Central Government and the 
alliance parties that form part of the government with mortgaging the 
interests of the country with the United States with regard to the 
civilian nuclear cooperation deal. People were upset and dissatisfied 
with the dealing, he alleged.
Mr. Thambi Durai charged that illegal sand mining was rampant in Karur 
district but people who were in the thick of the activity were denying 
involvement.
He called upon the State Government to take effective and immediate 
steps to end the swindling of natural resources.
Karur MLA and party district secretary V. Senthil Balaji said that TNEB 
authorities were resorting to eight hours power shut down in the 
district and all sections of society were feeling the pinch of the 
‘inability of the State Government’ to rise up to the occasion and 
ensure uninterrupted power supply. The Government owed an explanation to 
the people, he pointed out.
District party chairman and former MLA A. Pappa Sundaram, former MLA 
Sasikala Ravi, MGR Mandram district secretary H. Shahul Hameed, Anna 
Thozhilsanga Peravai secretary Porani K. Ganesan, and other party front 
organisation leaders and cadres participated in the demonstration.
Pudukottai
Cadres of Communist Party of India (CPI) and Marumalarchi Dravida 
Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) staged demonstrations at five centres in the 
district on Friday, protesting against the prolonged load shedding.
They raised slogans urging the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board to stabilise 
its distribution network by stepping up power generation.
In Pudukottai, the cadres of the CPI, including women, staged a 
demonstration in front of the office of the Superintending Engineer 
here. Led by party’s town secretary M. N. Ramachandran and carrying 
burning-torches, they raised slogans condemning the power shutdown.
Later, Pudukottai Union wing secretary Muruganandam and Municipal 
Councillor Pazhaniappan said that students and the aged were hard hit by 
the load shedding.
In Aranthangi, CPI volunteers staged a demonstration in front of the 
TNEB office. Union committee member Thangavelu led the stir. Similar 
agitations were staged at Keeramangalam and Kothamangalam villages.
At Naakudi village, members of MDMK staged an agitation which was led by 
Union secretary Rajappa.
Traders in Ponnamaravathy downed shutters for six hours till noon today, 
protesting the load-shedding.
Led by Chamber of Commerce president M.S. Murugappan, they took out a 
procession to the TNEB office where they submitted a memorandum to 
officials.
Chamber secretary C. Karuppiah and treasurer G. Ilango, who 
participated, informed the officials that low voltage posed a great 
hardship to the traders and the members of the public.
Mr. Murugappan said that supply of drinking water had been affected due 
to load shedding and low voltage.




http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/24/stories/2008092450930300.htm



Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

CPI (M) protests against civic problems
Staff Reporter
Effigy of ‘Kumbhakarna’ carried; negligence of AMC draws flak


Wake up call: CPI (M) activists stage protest with an effigy of 
‘Kumbhakarna’ in Anantapur on Tuesday.
ANANTAPUR: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a novel protest 
here on Tuesday by taking out a procession with a huge effigy of 
sleeping Kumbhakarna, a mythological character that is often compared 
with deep slumber, gross neglect in the present context, protesting the 
alleged negligence of civic problems by the Anantapur Municipal Corporation.
Party activists took out the procession carrying the effigy of 
Kumbhakarna from the party office in Ramachandra Nagar to the civic body 
office in Sapthagiri Circle. Speaking in front of the civic body office 
town secretary of the party V. Rambhupal alleged that the authorities of 
the municipal corporation were sleeping over the severe drinking water 
problems in several areas in the town.
The protests tried (mocked) to wake up Kumbhakarna (effigy) with 
drinking water pipes. They also pricked the effigy with tube lights, 
street lights, flaying the neglect of street lights. The area was 
reverberated with sounds of drums, whistles and shouts to wake up 
Kumbhakarna, the civic body.
The municipal corporation was not even in a position to utilise Rs. 3 
crore funds sanctioned and the authorities were not even ready with 
proposals. People voted the Congress to power in the civic body thinking 
that it would serve the people better as the party was already in power 
at the Centre and in the State.
The ruling body was unmoved with the travails of people in respect of 
drinking water even as the problem spread from 18 to 32 divisions during 
the last few months. Mosquito menace was forcing the people to suffer 
disease like malaria and dengue and the street lights problems was 
making movement of people difficult during nights.
Party activists Obulesu, Sunkanna, Rammohan and others participated.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/25/stories/2008092550460300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool

Ration cards: CPI(M) cadres stage protest
KURNOOL: Supporters of CPI(M) staged dharna at the Collectorate here on 
Wednesday braving heavy downpour. Legislator M.A. Gafoor also took part 
in the dharna for ration cards to the below poverty line families. He 
also addressed the gathering on the occasion. -Special Correspondent






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/25/stories/2008092552670300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Eluru

Telugu Desam stages novel protest
Staff Reporter
Party leaders enact ‘suicide pact’ to highlight unemployment
— Photo: A.V.G. Prasad

Telugu Desam leaders participating in agitational programme in Eluru on 
Wednesday.
ELURU: The acting skills of Telugu Desam leaders came to the fore during 
their protest on problem of unemployment in the city on Wednesday.
The agitators sought to highlight the problem by enacting a ‘suicide 
pact’ depicting the plight of jobless youths in the State. The 
organisers put in place an ‘altar’ and noose at the Employment Exchange 
office well in advance for the leaders to go ahead with their 
high-profile theatrical performance. Those who ‘entered’ the suicide 
pact included Zilla Parishad former Chairman K. Jayaraju and Telugu 
Yuvata leader Mullapudi Bapi Raju. The programme was a part of the call 
given by the TDP.
Party leader Subbarayudu lambasted the Congress accusing it of failing 
to keep its promise of creating 2.6 lakh jobs for the youth within six 
months of its coming to power. The TDP leader said the employment 
programmes like Rajiv Yuva Shanki and Rajiv Udyogasri brought no cheer 
to the unemployed youth as they were plagued by irregularities.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/25/stories/2008092556340400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

UDF protests against tariff hike
Special Correspondent
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The United Democratic Front (UDF) on Wednesday 
registered its protest against the hike in water and electricity tariff 
and the LDF government’s “failure” to tackle price rise and provide 
relief to the weaker sections of society through subsidised rations.
Addressing a press conference here, UDF convener P.P. Thankachan said 
water and electricity tariff hikes would add to the burden of the common 
man who was already reeling under the impact of the price spiral. He 
said water tariff had been hiked during the previous LDF rule in 1999. 
The UDF had taken a conscious decision not to hike tariffs even though 
the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) had submitted proposals in this regard.
The State government, he alleged, was not interested in taking measures 
to reduce the price of rice. The UDF wanted the government to implement 
a scheme under which the below poverty line (BPL) sections would be 
given 25 kg rice a month at Rs.2 a kg. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had 
announced a Re.1-a-kg and Rs.2-a-kg schemes respectively for the BPL 
sections.
The UDF also demanded a scheme for APL categories at Rs.8.90 a kg of 
rice subject to a limit of 35 kg. a month. The Kerala government would 
incur only Rs. 42 crore a year for subsidising this, Mr. Thankachan said.
The UDF also urged the government to discontinue the single-window 
system for Plus One admissions “as it had proved to be a failure.” Mr. 
Thankachan said thousands of seats remained vacant even as students were 
struggling to gain admissions. It would be better to stick to a 
practical schedule under which admission and classes would go hand in hand.
With regard to the Class VII social studies textbook issue, Mr. 
Thankachan said the youth and students organisations owing allegiance to 
the UDF had withdrawn their agitation.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/25/stories/2008082557920200.htm

Tamil Nadu

Selaiyur residents resort to protest
Special Correspondent
TAMBARAM: A few hundred residents of Selaiyur near Tambaram staged a 
flash protest on Sunday evening against the pathetic state of amenities 
in their locality, including the discharge of sewage in the open by 
apartment complexes, encroachments on a road that was 100-foot wide and 
poor road conditions.
Pointing out to the stagnation of sewage on either sides of the 100 feet 
Road in Sriram Nagar, residents of Ward No. 19 of Tambaram Municipality 
said that they had appealed to the government machinery at various 
levels but none of their demands was met. Fed up with the response of 
government agencies, they resorted to the protest said Usha Nandini, a 
resident.
Builders of the apartment complexes ought to have made provisions for 
proper collection and disposal of sewage, Sriram Nagar residents said, 
calling for a swift response from the Tambaram Municipality.








http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/20/stories/2008092051270300.htm

Other States - Puducherry

CPI(M) protests
PUDUCHERRY: Activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on 
Friday staged a demonstration in front of the Oulgaret Municipality 
seeking better civic amenities in Pavanar Nagar, which had a sizeable 
population of construction labourers, autorickshaw drivers and domestic 
workers. The activists sought steps to improve health and hygiene in the 
residential area located close to the municipality.
One of the three public conveniences, each having five toilets, remained 
closed while water supply was inadequate in the other two, they said.








http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100453140300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Protest against load shedding
NAGAPPATTINAM: Fishermen’s organisations and political parties protested 
against the power situation at Avuri Thidal here on Friday.
About 300 fishermen and fisherwomen belonging to different organisations 
protested against the frequent load shedding. CPI district secretary M. 
Selvaraj said that the government should not privatise power generation 
which was the main cause for the power shortage.












http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/18/stories/2008091860220400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Protest against services of LPG agency, TNEB offices
Special Correspondent
TAMBARAM: On Wednesday, residents resorted to protests in two places 
near Tambaram against the alleged poor Response from agencies handling 
two crucial amenities that had a direct impact on their daily lives.
While residents of Vandalur protested power disruptions and the 
confusion over collection of the monthly bills, those in Selaiyur near 
Tambaram staged a demonstration protesting alleged harassment by staff 
at an agency distributing Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders.
Residents of Vandalur and nearby places charged they were already facing 
problems owing to scheduled and unannounced power cuts by the Tamil Nadu 
Electricity Board. And when they went to pay their bi-monthly bills at 
the bill collection centre office of the TNEB in Vandalur on Tuesday, 
there was a huge crowd as Monday was holiday. They waited in long queues 
till office hours and yet were unable to pay the bills. TNEB officials 
on Tuesday said they could make the payments on Wednesday. When they 
returned on Wednesday morning, the officials asked them to pay penalty 
for late-payment. Enraged, the residents staged a protest on Grand 
Southern Trunk Road and dispersed after they were pacified by personnel 
from Otteri and Guduvanchery police stations. However, residents charged 
that the EB officials accepted the amount only along with a fine.
In Selaiyur, residents protested outside the an LPG distribution agency, 
whom they charged of insisting on producing ration cards for getting 
cylinder supplies. “Though the State government had made it clear that 
it was not necessary to produce ration cards while applying for new 
connections or for booking refills, the staff insisted on the family 
cards,” said Guru Parameswaran, advocate and a resident of New Balaji 
Nagar. “We are unable to even record our complaints as they do not have 
a register,” he said, as residents from East Tambaram, Medavakkam, 
Ponmar and other places joined the protest.
Personnel from Selaiyur police station asked staff at the agency to heed 
to the requests of the subscribers, but in vain. Staff at the agency 
said they were yet to receive communication from the government agencies 
concerned about the notification. Mr. Parameswaran later complained at 
Selaiyur police station that he received a call on his mobile about 
threats of dire consequences if he went ahead with the complaint.
Residents charged that delivery boys, who were aware of their subscriber 
numbers, made advance bookings in connivance with staff at the agencies, 
diverted cylinders to other customers on a premium.







http://ncr-iran.org/content/view/5569/105/

Iran: Mayhem of women protesting gas shortage in Tabriz

Tuesday, 02 September 2008
NCRI – Thousands of women consumers flocked in the Saat Square 
protesting to home cooking gas shortage in the northeastern provincial 
capital of East Azerbaijan.
The demonstrators, mostly housewives, were badly beaten by the State 
Security Forces (SSF) – mullahs' suppressive police – attempting to 
disperse their gathering.
The SSF agents in full riot gears attacked the protesters beating and 
injuring some participants in the demonstration.
Some men trying to stop the SSF beating the protesters were arrested and 
taken to an unknown location by the suppressive security agents.
According to Oil and Gas Journal, Iran has an estimated 974 trillion 
cubic feet (Tcf) in proven natural gas reserves. It holds the world's 
second largest reserves after Russia. Around 62 percent of Iranian 
natural gas reserves are located in non-associated fields, and have not 
been developed. Major natural gas fields include: South and North Pars, 
Tabnak, and Kangan-Nar. In 2005, Iran produced and consumed 3.6 Tcf of 
natural gas. Natural gas consumption is expected to grow around 7 
percent annually for the next decade.
However, the mullahs' regime is not providing the public with enough to 
respond to their gas demands. Instead, the SSF is often dispatched to 
suppress their protests.







http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Finance%20And%20Labour&set_id=1&click_id=594&art_id=nw20080904171612985C306719

Cosatu earned battle stripes in protests

September 04 2008 at 06:57PM

The Congress of SA Trade Unions considered recent protests and a 
national stayaway over rising food, fuel and electricity prices as a 
major victory in which it had "earned its battle stripes.

It showed that Cosatu was serious about its demands for more affordable 
electricity, secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi said at a media briefing 
on Thursday, following a Cosatu central executive committee meeting.

Cosatu's actions had contributed to the rejection of the proposed 53 
percent increase that power utility Eskom had wanted, Vavi said.

Although this contributed to the final tariff increase being lower, 
discussions were still continuing at Nedlac with Business Unity SA 
(Busa) because Cosatu's demands had not been met.

Cosatu has also called on unions to identify job losses caused by the 
electricity crisis
Cosatu and Busa have written to Finance Minister Trevor Manuel to 
discuss the proposed 2 cents per kilowatt levy to be implemented in 
October, which would increase tariffs by another 10 percent in one year 
and undermine the principle of increases being smoothed in.

Cosatu has also called on unions to identify job losses caused by the 
electricity crisis, which caused major disruptions to manufacturing at 
the beginning of the year through blackouts.

Cosatu was pleased that a task team to discuss food prices was 
considering a structure to monitor food prices in response to its demand 
for price regulation.

The inquiry is expected to start soon and take six months.

The union federation also wanted more information on the government's 
decision to increase the value of social grants and a decision on zero 
rating further basic food stuffs..


'Government is to-ing and fro-ing on the issue of zero rating further 
basic food stuffs'
"Government is to-ing and fro-ing on the issue of zero rating further 
basic food stuffs," Vavi said.

Cosatu suggested that the government use the R4-billion it would lose by 
zero rating chicken to support small farmers.

It accused the media of ignoring the victories the union body had 
achieved in terms of electricity and food price rises, saying it was 
obsessing on its support for ANC president Jacob Zuma.

Affirming its support for Zuma, a statement issued at the briefing said 
that he had been under attack by the media and that those who support 
him are characterised as "stupid and dangerous demagogues".

They battled to get reply space in newspapers and felt the ombudsman 
leaned towards the media.

In response, Cosatu planned a "counter-offensive" against the "daily 
bias against workers and the left that always pervades the media" and 
the claim that Cosatu was obsessed with Zuma.

Cosatu was formed in December 1985 to improve conditions of working 
people, to organise "the unorganised" and for peace and democracy. - Sapa










http://www.fijilive.com/news_new/index.php/news/show_news/8771

Hundreds protest against Saipan utility
19/09/2008
________________________________________
Hundreds of residents of Saipan, dressed in black with bandages 
plastered on their bodies, have protested against what they called the 
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation’s band-aid approach to the island’s 
power crisis.

The island has been plagued for months by power outages, Radio New 
Zealand International reports.

There are also complaints about the high prices the corporation charges 
for electricity.

Many people carried signs with slogans, such as "Will fight for light," 
and "Customers Using Candles

Meanwhile, more than 400 people have signed a petition that will be 
given to the Director of the Office Insular Affairs, when he visits the 
island next week.

The petition seeks federal intervention and oversight of the Corporation.







http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/10/409829.html

Freeze Profits Not Pensioners - Cardiff Gas Bill Protest
Adam Johannes | 02.10.2008 10:21 | Social Struggles
Our angry protest forced British Gas on to the defensive, with their PR 
team going into overdrive phoning, faxing, emailing and visiting local 
media. They claimed that they were doing everything possible to help 
poorer customers - except giving up on obscene profits by reducing 
bills, of course...

A lively picket of the Cardiff HQ of British Gas took place over the 
weekend initiated by supporters of the People before Profit Charter and 
supported by socialists, trade unionists, young greens, welsh language 
activists and others. Here's a quick report:

FREEZE PROFITS NOT PENSIONERS was the red-hot demand we took to the Gas 
Barons over the weekend. Our angry protest forced British Gas on to the 
defensive, with their PR team going into overdrive phoning, faxing, 
emailing and visiting local media. They claimed that they were doing 
everything possible to help poorer customers - except giving up on 
obscene profits by reducing bills, of course...

Speaking at the protest, Leanne Wood AM called for a windfall tax on 
profits, but argued that the gas companies needed to be re-nationalised 
to prevent people being at the mercies of the profiteers, "Public 
ownership would mean lower bills".

She also reported, "British Gas are clearly worried. I received a letter 
from them last Thursday, asking me to withdraw my support for the 
protest. They claim that the domestic arm of the business has not made 
any profits and that they have a number of schemes to help people in 
fuel poverty. They also claimed to be concerned about the safety of 
their workforce."

A similar letter was sent to the National Campaigns Secretary of 
Cymdeithas (The Welsh Language Society) and other prominent backers of 
the protest.

The demand for public ownership was echoed by Ramon Corria, Secretary of 
Cardiff's Trades Council who reminded us that our quarrel was not with 
those working for British Gas, but rather with the people who owned and 
ran the gas companies.

A moment of hilarity occurred when a woman from a company in competition 
with British Gas turned up with a pile of fliers trying to convince 
protesters to sign up to her company. She didn't hang around for very 
long when she realised that this was a protest against all the gas 
profiteers.

Rounding off the protest, Adam Johannes from Left Alternative (formerly 
Cardiff Respect) referred to working class people being literally mugged 
by "rip-off merchants like British Gas, who are making billions off the 
backs of working people."

Calling for direct action to defend workers who might have their supply 
cut off, he ended by saying, "They nationalise to bail out bankers and 
the rich, but we believe in nationalisation to raise up the living 
standards of working people.The Gas Barons are only powerful because we 
are on our knees. Let us rise!"








http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7638665.stm

Saturday, 27 September 2008 16:17 UK
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version


Gas protest aims to ignite debate

Protest organisers are calling for a windfall tax on British Gas and 
energy suppliers' profits
Around 30 protesters gathered outside British Gas' Cardiff headquarters 
to demonstrate against energy price rises and the economic crisis on 
Saturday.
The People Before Profit Alliance are unhappy at the company's recent 
price rises but want its event to launch a public debate on the failing 
economy.
British Gas raised its electricity and gas prices by 9% and 35% in July.
It said it had since launched measures to help its most vulnerable 
customers cope with the bill rises.
The rally began at 1400 BST outside the company's offices in Churchill 
Way in the city centre.
The protest was supported by local trade union leaders, pensioners 
groups, and the Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood made a speech.
The Alliance believes the British Gas rises were unnecessary as its 
parent company, Centrica, announced more than £1bn in profits a day later.


It is quite clear that we haven't seen anything like the current 
economic crisis since the Wall Street Crash of 1927


Event organiser Jonny Jones

As part of the protest it is demanding the government renationalise 
British Gas and the UK's other energy companies and subject them to a 
windfall tax on their profits.
The Alliance's Jonny Jones said: "We want the protest to act as 
lightning rod for people who are disenchanted about not only the British 
Gas price rises but also the greater economic downturn.
"It is quite clear that we haven't seen anything like the current 
economic crisis since the Wall Street Crash of 1927.
"As it starts to take a grip you can be sure the government and 
companies are going to make workers pay for the crisis by holding down 
wages and calling for us to keep an eye on our debts."
Describing the protest as a "lively" gathering, Mr Jones said the 
alliance was next planning to organise a public meeting where the best 
way forward could be discussed.
British Gas said it was widely recognised as the leading energy supplier 
in terms of helping its vulnerable and fuel poor customers.
A spokesperson said: "We have already committed £900m of energy 
efficiency measures for our customers' homes over the next three years 
and a further £160m to help our most vulnerable customers.
"In addition, the government's recently announced fuel poverty package 
will increase our commitment by around a quarter."







http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Protest-raises-heat-outside-gas.4534974.jp

Protest raises heat outside gas firm's HQ
Published Date: 27 September 2008
PROTESTERS are to target gas company Centrica's headquarters in Granton 
in a demonstration over spiralling energy prices.
Campaign group People Before Profit plans to stage a protest outside the 
building in Waterfront Avenue on Wednesday at 12.20pm.

Demo organiser Donny Gluckstein said: "Utility companies are raking in 
profits in billions, but recent government announcements have done 
almost nothing to help people cope with the huge increases in gas and 
electricity."

Willie Black, UNITE senior shop steward at ScottishPower, speaking in a 
personal capacity, said: "This winter many people, but especially the 
old, will be forced to choose between heating and food, both of which, 
as official figures show, have risen over twice as fast as general 
inflation, which is itself at five per cent."

The People Before Profit Charter calls for a windfall tax on corporation 
super profits, especially those of the oil companies.







http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7621482.stm

Wednesday, 17 September 2008 15:49 UK
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version


Man in upside down cost protest

Herbert Crossman wants to create a new political party
A security firm manager has suspended himself upside down in central 
London to protest against rising living costs.
Herbert Crossman, from Harrow, north-west London, hung from a crane for 
two hours in Trafalgar Square, attached by the ankles with a bungee rope.
The 60-year-old allowed change to fall from his pockets into three tubs 
beneath him to show how the British people are "haemorrhaging money".
One tub was for the government, one for utility bills and one for his 
income.
"Everything is going up - gas, electricity, the congestion charge, 
parking, petrol - everything," said Mr Crossman, who had permission to 
stage his protest.
"It's our money the government is spending and wasting, not their 
fat-cat salaries.
"If I was doing what they are in my business I'd be out of work by now."
He did not prepare for his suspension but had a medical check to make 
sure he had good blood pressure and circulation.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/24/stories/2008082451920300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Nalgonda

Girl knocked down by bus, students protest
Staff Reporter
NALGONDA: An eighth class student of a private school, Ashvani, was 
knocked down by an RTC bus in the Valigonda bus stand triggering protest 
from the students on Saturday.
According to the information reaching here, Ashwani was hit by the bus 
when she tried to hurriedly board it in an attempt to occupy a seat.
She died instantaneously while another boy Akhil, a sixth class student, 
suffered minor injures in the mishap.
Both of them hailed from Pulijala of Valigonda mandal and they were on 
their way back home after attending their school in the mandal headquarters.
Enraged by the girl’s death, students of various organisations staged a 
dharna demanding action against the driver and Rs.5 lakh as compensation 
for the victim’s family. The protest was going on till reports last came in.






http://news.oneindia.in/2008/08/22/350-booked-for-violence-during-protest-over-accident-1219399647.html

News> August 22, 2008 > Full Story
350 booked for violence during protest over accident

Friday, August 22 2008 15:10 (IST)

Subscribe to Newsletter

Kurukshetra, Aug 22 (UNI) Pehowa police has registered a criminal case 
against 350 unidentified persons who had put a Haryana Roadways bus on 
fire and also damaged a fire tender while protesting against the death 
of a local trader after being hit by a state-run bus yesterday.

A police spokesman said here today, that the bus driver Harjinder Singh 
had also been arrested for negligent and rash driving leading to death 
of the Ismailabad-based scooter-borne trader Ved Prakash yesterday near 
DAV College, Pehowa, about 30 kms from here.

Angered by the death, a mob had dragged and beat up the bus driver and 
put the bus afire. They also damaged a fire tender and did not allow 
firemen to extinguish the bus which was reduced to ashes.

The criminal case has been registered against the 350-odd people for 
destroying the government and private property, assault on government 
employees and hindering government officials from performing their 
duties, the spokesman said.







http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080827/ldh1.htm

Akali protest brings smile to motorists
Kanchan Vasdev
Tribune News Service

Commuters being allowed to cross the toll barrier without paying tax in 
Ludhiana on Tuesday. Photo: Inderjeet Verma
Ludhiana, August 26
A protest by Youth Akali Dal (YAD) activists against the poor state of 
the National Highway-1 proved to be a boon for commuters passing through 
the toll plaza as the agitators let them go without paying tax.
Stating that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had no right 
to charge toll from commuters given the bad state of the road, the 
activists, led by Sarabjeet Singh Grewal of the YAD, made hundreds of 
vehicles pass without paying the tax.
NHAI employees remained mute spectators. The protesters staged a dharna 
on the bridge for a few minutes and later, let vehicles pass through. 
They were carrying placards saying: ‘‘No road, no toll.’’
This was a unique protest that left the public happy. Commuters were 
seen encouraging the activists, saying that they were doing a good thing.
Grewal said they were sick of the bad state of the road. The NHAI was 
charging whopping sums from vehicles, but when it came to maintaining 
the road, it was not doing anything.
‘‘We will not allow this to happen. If we can stop their collection for 
an hour, we can do it for a longer time also,’’ he said.
The condition of the road had worsened after the rain, but no repair 
work was being carried out.
‘‘This is the only way to register our protest. Now, even the higher 
authorities would know that the people are angry,” he added.







http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/11/central/1970303&sec=central

Thursday September 11, 2008
Residents hold protest against MBPJ for causing inconvenience
Story and photos by YIP YOKE TENG

THE closure of the old tunnel linking Ara Damansara to the LDP via Taman 
Megahmas has resulted in a massive traffic congestion at the new tunnel 
near the Football Association of Selangor (FAS) building in Kelana Jaya 
during the peak hours.
The old tunnel near the NiuZeXui commercial area, commonly known as the 
NZX tunnel, was closed since Sept 1.
A signboard put up by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) states that 
the NZX tunnel is closed until Sept 29 for a survey and study on the 
traffic situation.
Bumpy ride: The road is riddled with potholes
The chaos caused by the closure of the NZX tunnel has raised the ire of 
thousands of angry motorists who have to suffer great inconvenience for 
hours to travel just a short distance.
Those affected most are residents of the D’Aman Crimson Condominiums, 
Ara Damansara and Lembah Subang and nearby areas. It is even said that 
business in these areas has dropped by as much as 50%.
About 100 angry residents staged a peaceful protest last Saturday at the 
NZX tunnel against the MBPJ for closing the tunnel.
The tunnel closure has brought unbearable inconvenience to more than 
10,000 residents, according to the president of D’Aman Crimson 
Condominiums, who only wants to be identified as Tan.
“It has forced us to take a detour of an extra 3.5km. And, to make 
things worse, the stretch is terribly congested during peak hours. It 
sometimes takes us 30 minutes just to travel the short distance from the 
FAS building to the LDP because the cars have to take a long pause 
before entering the busy highway,” he said.
Troublesome closure: The NZX Tunnel linking Ara Damansara to LDP via 
Taman Megahmas has been closed since Sept 1 to facilitate a traffic 
study but the closure has aroused the ire of residents and motorists.
Tan said traders were suffering the consequences of the closure as their 
businesses had been badly hit.
He said that taxi drivers at the Kelana Jaya LRT stations did not want 
to enter the “trapped” housing estates and, if they did, they demanded 
higher fares.
“Is having one tunnel better than having two? We just don’t see the 
logic. We want an explanation from the MBPJ on the whole fiasco,” Tan said.
According to Ara Damansara resident Peter Tan, the residents are 
stranded each time it rains as the roads and tunnels would be flooded.
Peter said that the opening of the FAS tunnel a month ago had eased 
traffic congestion mainly caused by the volume of vehicles coming from 
Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Glenmarie and nearby areas, which used the NZX 
Tunnel as an alternative to the LDP.
Angry lot: Residents showing their dissatisfaction with the tunnel closure
“But, since the closure of the NZX tunnel, traffic jams have been 
transferred from Taman Megahmas to Kelana Idaman. Moreover, roads are 
starting to have potholes and this is worsened by the current rainy 
spell,” he said.
Sunny Nah, also a resident of Ara Damansara, said that he nearly had an 
accident when the NZX tunnel was first closed as it was not properly 
barricaded then.
“Ara Damansara has a population of at least 3,000. We are feeling the 
pinch of petrol increase and we will really appreciate if the local 
authorities are kind enough to grant us a shorter route,” Nah said.
According to the residents, the route via the FAS tunnel has many other 
setbacks.
They said the stretch was dark and dangerous. The roads are small but 
are frequented by many motorists and students of two schools in the 
vicinity.

The residents also lamented that with the closure of the NZX tunnel, 
they were now trapped.
They said the Ara Damansara accesses and exits had always been 
problematic, the three tunnels, the third being the Tropica tunnel, were 
often flooded while the Subang route was perpetually congested.
“We are not rats! We don’t want to use tunnels all the time, we need 
proper roads,” resident K.S. Hiew said.
The residents want the MBPJ to reopen the NZX tunnel pending the 
construction of proper roads to their areas.
Aloysius Francis Pinto, an aide to Subang MP R. Sivarasa, who met the 
residents during the protest, said that a meeting involving all 
concerned parties would be called soon.
He said a dialogue was organised by the Complaints Bureau under the 
Prime Minister’s Department about three months ago to resolve the issues 
plaguing the NZX tunnel.
Pinto said the elected representatives, together with MBPJ officials and 
representatives of the developer, met with the residents and all had 
agreed to engaging consultants to study the situation.






http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/10/02/ot-nepean-081002.html?ref=rss

Residents clog Nepean street to protest shortcut
Last Updated: Thursday, October 2, 2008 | 3:53 PM ET Comments27Recommend15
CBC News
Residents parked on both sides of Grenfell Crescent to slow traffic 
between Woodroffe Avenue and Merivale Road Thursday. (Rebecca 
Zandbergen/CBC)
Dozens of cars were pulled out of garages and driveways and parked on 
both sides of Grenfell Crescent in Nepean Thursday to protest the use of 
the street as a shortcut between downtown Ottawa and its outer suburbs.
Residents are demanding that the city put up a sign that bans people 
from making a right turn onto the street from Woodroffe Avenue to 
discourage through traffic during peak hours.
Darlene Hale, who organized the protest, said many seniors and children 
live on the street, which has no sidewalks.
"It's very hazardous, very dangerous for our residents in the 
neighbourhood," she said.
"We have a lot of walkers, we have a lot of bikers, we have children 
waiting for school buses."
Residents estimated that about 300 cars each morning use the 
2.2-kilometre-long street, which links Woodroffe Avenue and Merivale 
Road, between Barrhaven and downtown Ottawa. They said some are 
travelling at more than double the 40 km/h speed limit, and that many 
ignore the stop signs.
Thursday's protest did slow down the cars passing along the road, but 
there weren't many, as the protest had been publicized in the media.
Coun. Gord Hunter, who represents the ward that includes Grenfell 
Crescent, said Thursday he agrees that there is a problem and council is 
"looking at implementing" the sign proposed by residents that would ban 
right turns onto Woodroffe.
Last January, more than 100 neighbourhood residents signed a petition 
asking city council to consider that solution.
Hunter plans to bring the issue to the city's transit committee in November.
In the meantime, residents said they want to see more police enforcing 
speed limits and stop signs on the street.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/26/stories/2008092662120300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Protest against bad roads
Staff Reporter
KOCHI: Passengers are inconvenienced and vehicles suffer damage because 
of the pathetic condition of the road running northwards from 
Kacheripady junction, the Bus Transport Association of Kerala has said.
Similar is the plight of the Paramara Road and Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road. 
The association members would lay siege to Kacheripady on Sunday.







http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=11110

Algerian protesters demand aid as floods toll rises

GHARDAIA (AFP) - Around 5,000 people demonstrated in the flood-riven 
southern Algerian town of Ghardaia on Friday to demand urgent aid after 
flash floods killed 33 residents, witnesses said.
Police broke up the rally before the crowd could reach the municipal 
headquarters, witnesses told AFP. The protesters demanded basic food 
supplies and equipment to help search for survivors or bodies buried in 
the rubble.
The death toll in Ghardaia climbed to three Friday as aid workers 
battled to help hundreds of homeless and the army was deployed to 
prevent looting, state radio said.
The floods had left 50 people injured and made about a thousand homeless 
around the historic town, a UN World Heritage site at the entrance to 
the Algerian desert in the M’Zab Valley, state radio said.
The Algerian government on Friday unblocked aid for victims, said the 
minister for national solidarity, Djamel Ould Abbas, as cited by APS agency.
Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia gave “strict orders for victims of the 
natural catastrophe to be taken care of by releasing” unrestricted 
credit, the minister said.
Hundreds of volunteers, Red Crescent workers and scouts were helping the 
homeless. The radio said the water level was eight metres high in some 
parts of the town, some 600 kilometres south of the capital Algiers.
In and around Ghardaia, those who had escaped the worst of the flooding 
helped their less fortunate neighbours, offering shelter and hot meals 
to those left homeless by the flash floods.
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on Tuesday sent his “sincere 
condolences” and “strong feelings of sympathy and compassion” to 
Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni said the floods are the 
worst for a century, while locals on Friday reported sweeping damage.
“Hundreds of houses have been destroyed but thousands have been damaged 
and are uninhabitable in the area,” said a resident of El Gaba, a 
village near Ghardaia, speaking in front of his ravaged home.
“It’s unimaginable, a real catastrophe,” added another, confirming that 
four people had died in the vicinity and three others were missing.
Another shocked resident said all the homes damaged by the waters would 
effectively have to be rebuilt.
Gas and electricity supplies have been partially revived, but there was 
an acute shortage of basic goods and medicines - most of which had been 
damaged due to the flooding.
The interior ministry sent tents, generators, and 400 tonnes of food aid 
to the region. The authorities also requisitioned two sports halls, 
where they installed 890 tents and 1,500 camp beds for those made 
homeless by the rains.
Several parts of Algeria were lashed by heavy rain including Djelfa - 
midway between Ghardaia and Algiers - where two people died.
Flooding in the Algiers region in 2001 killed more than 800 people and 
caused considerable damage.






http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/oct/oct04/news07.php

Koshi flood victims launch protest demanding fresh handouts for festival
Hundreds of families displaced by the recent floods caused by a breach 
in Koshi River embankment in Sunsari district have launched protest, 
demanding fresh handouts including cash so that they would be able to 
celebrate Dashain festival in their own small way.
The flood victims of some of the worst affected parts blocked the main 
highway in Sunsari district on Saturday, protesting lack of prompt 
assistance from the government.
The flood victims have complained that the two installments of cash 
handouts of Rs 700 rupees and Rs 1000 from the government, recently, 
were too little to meet their need during the festival, reports said.
They have announced that the agitation would go on until the government 
comes up with fresh cash handouts.
There are nearly 40,000 thousand flood-affected people living in 
makeshift camps in different parts of Sunsari. The government in 
collaboration with Nepal Red Cross and some aid agencies has been 
providing flood, clothing and medical care for them, but there are 
growing complaints of insufficient relief aid. nepalnews.com mk Oct 04 08







http://www.stuff.co.nz/4710127a12.html

India deploys police as flood victims protest
Reuters | Monday, 29 September 2008
e were deployed in a flood-hit eastern Indian state, a day after 
soldiers opened fire on angry villagers demanding food and relief, 
wounding at least a dozen people.
Police said a huge crowd threw stones at an army convoy in the eastern 
Bihar state, demanding food and shelter.
"The villagers clashed with army personnel, threw stones at them and 
attacked their vehicles, forcing the army to retaliate," Kuer Singh, a 
senior police officer said on Monday.
Monsoon rains and burst dams unleashed bouts of flooding in South Asia 
this year, killing about 1,500 people, mostly in India but also in Nepal.
About 270 flood-related deaths have been reported from Bihar, reeling 
from the worst floods in recent years, officials said.
At least 250,000 acres of farmland were damaged in the state after the 
Kosi river burst a dam in neighbouring Nepal and flooded areas downstream.
At least 20,000 people are still marooned in the eastern state, mostly 
villagers who refused to be evacuated, saying they wanted to protect 
their belongings.
Indian authorities have been widely criticised for acting too late and 
too slowly after the floods hit. Local media has reported cases of food 
and aid being siphoned off by corrupt officials.
Flood victims have blocked national highways and chased away government 
officials regularly to protest against poor relief.








http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2401525,00.html

Troops, flood victims clash
2008-09-29 17:33

Patna - Hundreds of police were deployed in a flood-hit eastern Indian 
state on Monday, a day after soldiers opened fire on angry villagers 
demanding food and relief, wounding at least a dozen people.
Police said a huge crowd threw stones at an army convoy in the eastern 
Bihar state on Sunday, demanding food and shelter.
"The villagers clashed with army personnel, threw stones at them and 
attacked their vehicles, forcing the army to retaliate," Kuer Singh, a 
senior police officer said on Monday.
Monsoon rains and burst dams unleashed bouts of flooding in South Asia 
this year, killing about 1 500 people, mostly in India but also in Nepal.
About 290 flood-related deaths have been reported from Bihar, reeling 
from the worst floods in recent years, officials said.
At least 100 000ha of farmland were damaged in the state after the Kosi 
River burst a dam in neighbouring Nepal and flooded areas downstream.
Fears of more flooding
Heavy rains lashed the region, raising fears of more flooding as 
authorities said more than 800 people were still missing.
Bad weather prevented search and rescue operations, they said.
At least 20 000 people are still marooned in the eastern state, mostly 
villagers who refused to be evacuated, saying they wanted to protect 
their belongings.
Indian authorities have been widely criticised for acting too late and 
too slowly after the floods hit. Local media has reported cases of food 
and aid being siphoned off by corrupt officials.
Flood victims have blocked national highways and chased away government 
officials regularly to protest against poor relief.
- Reuters







http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/28/2348638.htm

Homeless riot in India's Bihar after widespread flooding
By Claire Mackay in New Dehli
Posted Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:06am AEST
Food riots have erupted in the eastern Indian state of Bihar where 
flooding has left more than 2 million people homeless.
The Kosi River in Bihar broke its banks and changed course last week, 
flooding hundreds of villages and towns.
At least 2 million people are homeless and Indian authorities are 
struggling to reach those in desperate need of food and rescue.
Looting and food riots have been reported and one person was killed in 
Madepura district as villagers fought over limited food and medicine at 
a relief centre.
In the Supaul district a boy was killed and 30 people injured as they 
ran under helicopters that were distributing food packages.
Stranded people have been sending text messages from roof tops.
Bihar is one of India's poorest states and the Kosi River floods regularly.







http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Food-riots-in-Orissa-flood-waters-lap-Taj-Mahal/365382/

Food riots in Orissa, flood waters lap Taj Mahal

Reuters
Posted: Sep 24, 2008 at 1558 hrs IST

Maoists kill abducted SI, CRPF jawan die...Orissa flood death toll rises 
to 26Kandhamal violence blot on Orissa's face...Orissa govt disburses Rs 
42.3 lakh for c...

Bhubaneswar, September 24: Officials in eastern India struggled to 
provide aid to tens of thousands of flood victims after riots broke out 
on Wednesday, as floodwaters lapped the Taj Mahal compound but posed no 
immediate threat to it.
Monsoon rains, burst dams and overflowing embankments have unleashed 
bouts of flooding in South Asia in 2008, killing about 1,500 people, 
mostly in India but also in Nepal.
In Orissa, tens of thousands were still stranded on embankments and on 
highways after large areas were flooded when authorities opened sluice 
gates of a dam on the Mahanadi river after heavy rains last week.
Food riots broke out in many areas after villagers complained they were 
not getting relief supplies. Hungry victims beat up officials, blocked 
roads and looted relief materials.
"At least eight people sustained injuries after two groups of people 
clashed over distribution of relief," police officer Jitendra Kumar 
Dalai, who was injured, said by telephone from flood-hit Jagatsinghpur 
district.
Authorities said more than 100,000 people are still marooned and six 
more deaths were reported overnight, raising the death toll from floods 
in the eastern state to 35 in the past week.
More than 200 people have died in the past five days in India, most of 
them in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with rising rivers bursting their banks 
and swamping vast areas of farmland and villages, forcing thousands from 
their homes.
Officials said they had posted policemen near the famed Taj Mahal to 
monitor water levels in the swollen Yamuna river.
Flood waters had reached the outer wall of the Taj compound, but posed 
no danger to the 17th century mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah 
Jahan on very high ground, officials said.
"Since the monument has weathered many a storm over the centuries, I do 
not think the rise in the Yamuna level or its increasing current could 
cause any harm to the structure," said K C Yadav, a police officer.
The flooding in the Yamuna, which also flows through New Delhi, was 
caused by the release of water from two barrages following heavy rains 
upstream.
The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of modern world, is already 
under threat from industrial pollution which is turning its white marble 
a pale yellow.






http://www.albawaba.com/en/news/235139

Egypt rockslide disaster: Residents clash with police

Posted: 07-09-2008 , 11:53 GMT

Angry residents of a Cairo shantytown Sunday hurled stones and insults 
at authorities for "inefficient" rescue efforts after a massive 
rockslide flattened homes and buried whole families under the rubble. 
"Residents are throwing stones at police and shouting at civil defence 
officials. They are angry because they say rescue efforts are slow and 
inefficient," a security official told AFP.

Eyewitnesses said that they had been told to vacate the area and leave 
the rescue work to the experts, sparking anger among residents.

According to the health ministry, at least 31 people died and 47 were 
hurt in Saturday's disaster. By Sunday morning cranes and special heavy 
lifting machinery could still not access the scene, the security 
official said.

Rescuers worked through the night in a desperate race to find survivors 
of the tragedy, with some estimates putting the number of people still 
missing at 500.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered the government to provide 
housing for those left homeless and issue compensation to families of 
the victims, the state-owned Al-Ahram reported. After an emergency 
meeting on Saturday evening, Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif said that there 
would be a full review of housing settlements built throughout the 
country without construction permits, known as "ashwaeeyat."





http://www.arabianbusiness.com/530185-egypt-rockslide-survivors-clash-with-police

Egypt rockslide survivors clash with police
by Dylan Bowman on Sunday, 07 September 2008

TRAGIC DISASTER: Furious residents have clashed with police over 
'inefficient' rescue efforts. (AFP)
Furious residents of a Cairo shantytown Sunday hurled stones and insults 
at authorities for "inefficient" rescue efforts after a massive 
rockslide flattened homes and buried whole families under the rubble.

"Residents are throwing stones at police and shouting at civil defence 
officials. They are angry because they say rescue efforts are slow and 
inefficient," a security official told newswire AFP on condition of 
anonymity.

Witnesses told AFP that they had been told to vacate the area and leave 
the rescue work to the experts, sparking anger among shocked and 
grieving residents.

According to the health ministry, at least 31 people were killed and 47 
injured in Saturday's accident after huge boulders each weighing 
"hundreds of tonnes" according to one official had crushed some 35 homes 
in the impoverished and over populated Manshiyet Nasser neighbourhood.

By Sunday morning cranes and special heavy lifting machinery could still 
not access the scene, the security official said.

Rescuers worked through the night in a desperate race to find survivors 
of the tragedy, with some estimates putting the number of people still 
missing at 500.

The section of hill that broke away was estimated at 60 metres wide and 
15 metres long.

Rescuers were using their bare hands to shift debris in a desperate bid 
to find victims while specially trained dog handlers were deployed to 
try to locate survivors.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered the government to provide 
housing for those left homeless and issue compensation to families of 
the victims, the state-owned Al-Ahram reported.

After an emergency meeting on Saturday evening, Prime Minister Ahmed 
Nazif said that there would be a full review of housing settlements 
built throughout the country without construction permits, known as 
"ashwaeeyat".

"It was horrible, like an earthquake," said Farghali Gharib, who lost 
eight members of his family in the rockslide - five sisters, a 
sister-in-law and her two children.

The reason for the rockfall was not immediately known but angry 
residents said work had been taking place on the hill for several weeks, 
and that the authorities had been warned about the dangers.

"They [authorities] were doing some work up on the hill. I am sure this 
is what caused the rockslide," said shoemaker Mohamed Gaber.

Mohamed al-Sayyed, 80, too blamed the authorities. "They had said they 
would evacuate the entire neighbourhood in order to set up an industrial 
zone. We were happy about this... but they did no such thing."

Driver Abdel Latif Hossam said "there had already been some landslides, 
slightly hurting some people".

Others said that the area where the disaster struck had been declared 
unsafe but that alternative housing promised to them had been sold off.

The interior ministry said in a statement that plans were underway to 
evacuate the area in a month's time.

Most of the brick-built dwellings in the district have two floors and 
were put up without adhering to planning regulations and without 
construction permits.

The arid Moqattam hill is broken up by chalky rock slopes, and a number 
of unofficial housing areas are huddled at its base, along the length of 
a main road into the city.

Egypt has a poor track record of building safety often blamed on the 
flouting of construction regulations, particularly involving adding 
extra floors without permission.










ASAP News
---------------------------------------------------

Mudflow victims demand balance of damage payment

Jakarta Post - August 26, 2008

Indra Harsaputra, Sidoarjo -- Hundreds of mudflow
victims blockaded a reconstruction site at the
Porong mudflow area Monday, demanding mining
company Lapindo Brantas Inc. pay the remaining 80
percent compensation as regulated by a presidential
instruction.

Saboteurs robbed tools from reconstruction workers,
prevented others from operating cranes working the
main mudflow banks and stopped trucks supplying
construction materials from entering the site.

The action threatened the big banks containing the
mudflow with mudslides and overflows because the
mud almost reached the top of the banks.

The victims said all victims would be evicted from
their rented homes next month and they had nowhere
to go unless the remaining compensation was paid
immediately.

"We have no alternative but to stage this blockade
because Lapindo has been deceiving us for a long
time," said 35-year-old Uswati, a mudflow victim in
Jatirejo village.

She said the blockade follows on a similar
demonstration staged by residents of four submerged
villages last week which Lapindo ignored.

During the demonstration, hundreds of residents of
Siring, Jatirejo, Renokenongo and Kedung Bendo
villages planted poles marking the borders of their
mud-submerged property.

"We won't live in rented houses or refugee camps
any longer. We need houses to live a normal life
and a plot of land to earn our living," said
Uswati.

Presidential Instruction No. 14/2007, issued one
year after the erupting mud began submerging the
villages on May 29, 2006, orders Lapindo to pay the
80 percent compensation one month before the end of
the two-year house leasing arrangement ends.
Lapindo has paid 20 percent of the compensation to
victims to allow them to rent houses.

Some 600 displaced families who have occupied the
Porong market building for more than two years,
have rejected the compensation scheme since the
instruction carried no sanctions against Lapindo if
the latter fails to pay compensation on schedule.

Meanwhile hundreds of families living just outside
the mudflow site, whose homes and assets were also
damaged by the mudflow in February, have yet to
receive any compensation from either Lapindo or the
government.

The government last month announced it would issue
a new presidential instruction in its review of the
current one in order to provide compensation from
the state budget for the additional victims. So
far, no funds have been disbursed to the
government-sanctioned Sidoarjo Mudflow Handling
Agency or Lapindo.

Lapindo spokesperson Yuniwati Teryana called on all
victims to exercise patience in waiting for the
compensation payment because everything has been
proceeding as per the buy-sell deal spelled out in
the first regulation.

"Lapindo will purchase all damaged assets from the
victims to express our social responsibility as
mandated by the government," she said.

"For those having undocumented assets, we will
provide cash and resettle them according to the
agreement between Lapindo and the victims'
representatives."

---------------------------------------------------