[Onthebarricades] Service delivery protests - housing, water, gas, etc - October 2008

[global resistance roundup]

SOUTH AFRICA
* Cape Town - Gugulethu residents plan protest
* Northwest - villagers blockade road
* Northwest, Zeerust - road blocked
* Pretoria - anti-poverty protest at Union Buildings

* NAMIBIA: Protesters successfully defy eviction orders
* INDONESIA: President targeted by student protesters over people's welfare
* TRINIDAD: Fiery protest over road conditions
* UGANDA: Residents petition for road repairs
* DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Police killings fuel spread of protests over 
public works, blackouts; protesters "get what they wanted"

INDIA
* Karnataka - Roadblock protest for water
* Tamil Nadu - Power cuts cause protests
* Kerala - Protest over cuts in quotas
* AP and Tamil Nadu - power cut protests
* Cuttack - packaged food sparks protest
* New Delhi - MPs in protest over rice quota
* Tamil Nadu - villagers demand drinking water
* Tamil Nadu - small units shut down to protest power cut
* Karnataka - protest after road accident

* UK: Widow switches off power in energy bill protest
* US: Providence - protesters demand release of heating funds
* PAKISTAN: Karachi - Residents, shopkeepers protest power cuts
* PAKISTAN: Protests force delay in power rate hike
* UGANDA: Car accident leads to protest
* PERU: Roads blocked over child deaths






http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Development&set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=nw20081015100908651C644059

KTC residents to protest against services

October 15 2008 at 10:23AM

Residents of KTC near Gugulethu in Cape Town were expected to take to 
the streets on Wednesday morning in protest against poor service 
delivery in their area.

"Most people are still living in appalling conditions and we are 
therefore demanding houses. It is also very dark at night and this 
impacts on the rate of crime especially burglaries happening in the 
developed area," said community crisis committee spokesperson Ben Londzi.

He said residents would also be protesting against lack of police 
presence in their area.

"They (police) don't involve community structures at all. There is an 
underground gang operating in the area, terrorising community members 
and killing people but police don't talk to residents about those 
things," Londzi said.

He said residents would meet at the Fezeka Municipality Buildings from 10am.

Despite Londzi's insistence that theirs was a protected march, Western 
Cape police said they knew nothing of a planned protest.

"There was never a letter sent to the station regarding the march... we 
are not aware of it," said Captain Elliot Sinyangana.

He disputed claims that police neglected to involve community structures 
in the fight against crime.

"From what I know we have a very good relationship with the Community 
Policing Forum in Gugulethu.

"Our sector managers constantly hold meetings with the community and no 
one has ever consulted the station commissioner to complain about poor 
consultation. But anyone is welcome to voice their grievances with the 
station if they have problems," Sinyangana said. - Sapa






http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Crime%20And%20Courts&set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20081014083127526C111296

Protesters barricade roads in NWest

October 14 2008 at 09:47AM

Residents of two villages barricaded the N4 road near Zeerust on 
Tuesday, North West police said.

Inspector Sam Tselanyane said residents of Welbedacht and Motswedi 
village were obstructing traffic in a protest over poor service delivery 
in their areas.

"We are unable confirm how many residents are protesting at this moment 
but we are monitoring the situation," said Tselanyane.

A police vehicle was damaged when stones were thrown at it, saiid 
Tselanyane. - Sapa







http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Development&set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=nw20081014100122259C698255

Protesters go on rampage in Zeerust

October 14 2008 at 10:08AM

Some 500 protesters barricaded roads within two villages near Zeerust on 
Tuesday, North West police said.

Captain Aafje Botma said the protesters blocked roads in Welbedacht and 
Motswedi village. Traffic on the N4 was not disrupted.

"The municipality is negotiating with the community members and we are 
monitoring the situation," said Botma.

The residents were protesting over poor service delivery in their areas.

A police vehicle was damaged when stones were thrown at it. - Sapa







http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_South%20Africa&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=nw20081017130157844C925622

Poverty protest outside Union Buildings

October 17 2008 at 01:35PM

About a hundred people gathered on Friday at the Union Buildings in 
Pretoria to protest against poverty.

Protesters called, among other things, for an end to poverty and VAT on 
basic foodstuffs to be cut.

Co-chair of the global call for action against poverty (GCAP) Kumi 
Naidoo, said it was time for government to act decisively to eradicate 
poverty and instead of spending millions on border control it should 
rather spend on health care, water, and sanitation.

The GCAP is a civil society alliance comprising NGOs and trade unions.

The march was in support of the international day for the eradication of 
poverty, which falls on Oct 17.

Cosatu Gauteng provincial secretary Siphiwe Mgcina, said job creation 
was important for the country; "if we don't move swiftly it is going to 
be doom." - Sapa










http://allafrica.com/stories/200810201315.html

Namibia: Protesters Ignore Eviction Notice
Nangula Shejavali
20 October 2008
THE 'Children of the Liberation Struggle', who have been demonstrating 
outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs since 
early September, on Friday expected to be forcibly removed, but nothing 
happened.
On Thursday afternoon, they had received a notice from the Deputy 
Minister of Youth, Pohamba Shifeta, to vacate the TransNamib premises by 
14h00 on Friday.
As the deadline drew closer on Friday, there was a heavy presence of 
private security guards at a nearby business fearing that its property 
might be damaged should the worst come to the worst.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs was 
standing on his office balcony to get a good view of the spectacle; and 
the media converged on the demonstration site to witness how the six 
weeks of protest might come to an end.
At 13h45, the protesters rallied together as their spokesperson, 
Shinedima Salomon, and other leaders encouraged them to remain put, 
regardless of what was to happen.
"They can come if they want to, but we will stay together and remain 
strong," they urged.
"They must come. We are waiting for them."
Many of the protesters wet their facecloths and towels, expecting the 
Police to disperse them with teargas.
The group then sang Swapo liberation songs and toyi-toyi'ed for a good 
hour before settling down to spontaneous bursts of singing.
But the expected force did not come, and by yesterday, the protesters 
were still awaiting word or action on the part of Government, though 
their stance to stay put remained unchanged.
"We will not leave this place.
We did not come here for registration, we came here for employment," 
related Salomon.
Another demonstrator, who identified himself only as Thomas, asked: "Why 
did they only set up registration now? What have they been doing for the 
past 18 years? We are just fighting for our rights."
Asked what the next step would be for the group, Salomon said: "The only 
person who can help us is Tatekulu Sam Nujoma. He understands what we 
went through in exile. He is our key. Our next step is to go to talk to 
him, or if possible, for him to come to us."
In the meantime, the City of Windhoek has issued a response to public 
concerns over hygiene and health at the demonstration site.
The City said it has carried out its own investigation "and can confirm 
the poor state of hygiene due to poor sanitation".
"The continued presence of the war veterans' children on the premises 
affects the image of the city negatively and is also a concern for the 
road users and the business community in the area," it said.
The City said it has been disinfecting the area every second day and 
rubbish is being removed every day.






http://en.afrik.com/article14711.html

Children of Namibian war veterans issued an ultimatum

The Namibian government has issued an ultimatum to ’children of the 
liberation struggle’ demonstrating outside the Ministry of Veterans’ 
Affairs to pack up and leave before 14h00 today.
________________________________________
Saturday 18 October 2008, by Bruce Sibanda

Reports today say the notice to vacate the Trans-Namib premises was 
issued Friday by the Deputy Minister of Youth, Pohamba Shifeta. But the 
group vowed not to move an inch.
Said the group spokesperson Shinedima , "We won’t separate, we are 
together. They can take us to prison”
It is said that the notice given to the protesters reminded them that a 
registration process would start in all 13 regions on October 27, so 
that Government could address their demands for identity documents, 
training and jobs.
The demonstrators have said they intend to continue their protest until 
they are given jobs.
Deputy Minister Shifeta is quoted as saying the Government had appealed 
to the protesters many times to return home and wait for the 
registration process. He said the property on which they were camping 
belonged to TransNamib, and after 14h00 today it would be up to the 
owners what action to take.
"They are violating the business rights of Trans-Namib with this 
demonstration," he said. "We don’t want the situation to turn ugly."






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811200784.html

Namibia: SPYL Saves Struggle Children From Arrest
Nangula Shejavali
20 November 2008
THE Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) yesterday helped ensure that the 112 
protesting children of the liberation struggle did not add a criminal 
record to their names.
The Secretary of the SPYL, Elijah Ngurare, on Tuesday night said that 
"the court order is in order, and we don't want them to defy it.
The youth league doesn't want to see them arrested, and we are working 
around the clock to avoid this scenario."
This work seems to have paid off, and two buses were dispatched at 
around 12h30 yesterday to relocate the group, which had occupied the 
pavement in front of the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs for about 80 days.
The Ministry rents premises from TransNamib, and it was on this account 
that Judge Nate Ndauendapo on Tuesday morning ruled in favour of the 
national transport carrier, granting it an eviction order against the 
demonstrators.
Late on Tuesday night, talks were ongoing to move the demonstrators from 
the site and to prevent their arrest.
Ngurare yesterday confirmed that the demonstrators will be moved to the 
Sam Nujoma Stadium, where they will remain until the registration 
process has been completed.
The Ramatex complex in Otjomuise had been considered as one of the many 
options for the move, but was not made use of due to ongoing 
negotiations on the future of the former textile factory.
Salomo Shinedima, spokesperson for the demonstrating group, said: "We 
are happy with the move.
These are not our premises, they belong to TransNamib, and the court 
order has been given."
In a statement to the media earlier this week, the protesters said one 
of the reasons they were hesitating to leave was that "some of us are 
orphans and some came from the street, and therefore prefer/demand Swapo 
to be our guardian."
Shinedima referred to this statement when asked about his thoughts on 
the SPYL's role, hinting that it was the party's responsibility to take 
care of them.
Gearing up for the move, however, did not come without problems.
Arguments broke out amongst the group when about 10 ex-members of the 
group, who had deserted the site when the court order was served, 
returned and demanded to be taken along.
A list of the remaining demonstrators had, however, been compiled 
following the granting of the court order, and only those on the list 
were permitted to enter the buses, leaving the others behind.
By 14h00, the site was cleared of demonstrators, and only the large 
cardboard boxes and plastic sheets that formed the structure of their 
shelters remained.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Safety and Security, Peter 
Mwatile, expressed relief at the outcome, saying: "We were waiting to 
dispatch the Police if they didn't comply with the court order, but we 
didn't want to have to arrest them, and we are very happy with the outcome."
Asked what kind of force would have been used against the demonstrators 
had they not complied with the order, Mwatile said: "When eviction is 
taking place, there is always an opportunity for negotiation.
We always look at the option of using minimal force, or a peaceful way 
of making people understand.
In this case, this was not needed because they complied with the court 
order."
Ailly Hangula-Paulino, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at 
TransNamib, also indicated the parastatal's satisfaction at the outcome, 
and the subsequent relief of TransNamib's premises.
"We are thankful for the peaceful move, and happy for the amicable 
outcome without the use of force," she said.









http://www.antara.co.id/en/view/?i=1225345060&c=NAT&s=

Students demonstration greets President Yudhoyono in Semarang
Thursday, October 30, 2008 12:37 WIB | National | | Viewed 53 time(s)
Semarang (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s working 
visit to Diponegoro University (Undip) here on Thursday was greeted by 
dozens of students who staged a rally outside the university campus.

Yudhoyono`s arrival at the campus to give a cultural oration turned to a 
chaos after the protesters blocked the president`s entourage from 
entering the campus.

But the police finally nabbed four of the students who were suspected to 
be the provocateurs.

Semarang Police chief Senior Commissoner Masjhudi said the protest 
staged by the students was illegal because, they reported their plan to 
the police only yesterday (Wednesday).

Mashjhudi said the protesters should have reported their plan at least 
three days in advance.

The protesters from several universities in Semarang had planned to 
evaluate the performance of President Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf 
Kalla`s government in the past four years.

According to the protesters, Yudhoyono-Kalla government has failed to 
create the people`s welfare.

Therefore, in their protest the students the government to be serious 
and resolute in overcoming Lapindo Brantas mud disaster in Sidoarjo, 
East Java.

The also asked Yudhoyono-Kalla government to immediately complete its 
corruption eradication agenda.

"The government should also lower the domestic fuel prices and basic 
commodity prices as soon as possible," they said.

President Yudhoyono and his entourage arrive here on Thursday morning to 
the 51th anniversary of Diponegoro University and to give national 
cultural oration at the university`s Serbaguna Sudarto building in the 
same day.

According to an official information from the Presidential Palace Media 
and Press Bureau, the head of state was also scheduled to open the 10th 
National Applied Technology 2008 (TTG) exhibition later at noon.

The exhibition itself will be held from October 31 - November 4, 2008 
and participated in by seven departments, research institutions, several 
universities, public groups, representatives from 33 provinces, state 
and regional enterprises, and a number of businessmen.

A total of 400 stands have been set up at Bale Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoro, 
and Sumbing of Central Java`s Development Promotion and Recreation 
Center, for the exhibition.

During his working visit to Central Java, President Yudoyono is being 
accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, State Minister for Research and 
Technology Kusmayanto Dariman, Home Affairs Minister Mardiyanto and 
National Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo. (*)






http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,87723.html

2 held during protests
By RHONDOR DOWLAT Thursday, October 9 2008

CLEARED: A backhoe is used to extinguish and remove burning debris at 
Bhaggan Trace in Chandernagore during fiery protests yesterday. ...
TWO MEN were arrested by police during a fiery protest by angry 
residents of Chandernagore and Lime Head Roads in Chaguanas over 
deplorable road conditions.
Police officers including officers from the Couva Municipal Police and 
the Central Division Task Force, Cpl Friday, PCs Bonnet, Mohammed, Paul, 
Gangaram, Nelson and WPC Williams were on duty at the corner of Lime 
Head Road and Chandernagore Main Road to ensure law and order was 
maintained.

However, two men — a 50-year-old fish vendor and a 34-year-old, were 
arrested for cursing. Members of the Couva Municipal Police were also 
verbally abused when they were called in to remove the burning debris 
with backhoes and dump trucks.

 From as early as 4 am residents placed planks of wood, lengths of 
steel, decrepit household furniture and tyres at four strategic points 
along the Chandernagore Main Road at Ramdeen Singh Street, Bhaggan Trace 
and Lime Head Road and lit them on fire.

Scores of motorists, who frequently use the Chandernagore Road, which is 
considered a major link road from Orange Field Road, Carapichaima to 
Chaguanas, were prevented from doing so yesterday.

“The roads real, real bad and potholes are very deep. We not taking that 
and we are calling on the authorities to effect repairs immediately,” 
shouted a resident.

chairman of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC) 
Ranjit Ramnarine, said he sent several letters to the Works and 
Transport Ministry.

“Apparently my requests on behalf of the residents fell on deaf ears. I 
have since had no response and the roads are really worsening.”








http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/18/656731

Mbarara public protests over poorly done road Monday, 27th October, 2008

A bridge on Mbarara Community Hospital road disintegrates a month after 
its completion
By Abdul Ssengendo
OVER 850 residents of Rwanyamahembe in Kashari county, Mbarara district 
have petitioned the Ministry of Works to repair the Bwizibwera-Kabwohe 
road.

The residents staged a peaceful demonstration at Nyamirima on Thursday 
after officials from the works ministry promised to fix the bridges 
within a week.

Nyamirima and Noonko bridges on the road collapsed two weeks ago, 
blocking off Buhweju, Rwanyamahembe and Bucuro, which are mainly 
matooke-producing areas.

A resident, Johnson Musiime, said in addition to the collapse of the two 
bridges, the road is full of potholes, forcing drivers to cut down their 
hedges to go round impassable spots.

They vowed to demonstrate again if the ministry failed to repair the 
road in the agreed period.

Tabaro said he reported the problem to Mbarara district works 
authorities but got no positive response.

He said the Bwizibwera-Kabwohe road links various markets including 
Bwizibwera, Kyehabure and Kabusye. The road is under the Central Government.







http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2008/10/23/29839/Two-deaths-fuel-spread-of-violent-protests-in-Cibao-region

23 October 2008, 12:18 PM
Two deaths fuel spread of violent protests in Cibao region
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12:43 PM
SANTIAGO. - The strike staged by the Alternative Social Forum in Duarte 
and Hermanas Mirabal (north) provinces to demand the construction and 
completion of public works extended to other communities in the region, 
fueled by the death of two youngsters in San Francisco de Macorís.
In Duarte province Israel Polanco and Juan Luis Gomez were killed when 
they played basketball in the street.
Among the communities in that province that joined the protest are Canca 
la Reina, El Peru, El Billar La Dura, Monte de la Jagua, where schools, 
businesses and transport were affected.
The mobilizations also took place in some parts of Espaillat and 
Santiago, in the municipalities Licey and Navarrete, and in the 
municipalities Luperón, Guananico, Castillo and Pimentel, where more 
than 25 people have been detained in the last few hours.






http://dr1.com/news/2008/dnews102408.shtml

Cibao protests over
The 72-hour protest that began on Tuesday has officially ended. The 
protests were organized by the Alternative Social Forum and called for 
the government to provide citizens in the region with basic services, 
improved power supply and lower food prices, among other demands. 
Yesterday, as part of a general work stoppage, protestors marched 
through sectors of Pueblo Nuevo, San Pedro, San Vicente, Hermanas 
Mirabal, San Martin, Alto de la Javiela and El Capacito, in San 
Francisco. As a result of the protests Public Works Minister Victor Diaz 
Rua, Police Chief Rafael Guillermo Guzman Fermin and INAPA director 
Mariano German will make their way to San Francisco to meet with civil 
leaders. Officials hope to reach some type of deal that will stop the 
protests. Listin Diario writes that two people were killed and 20 
injured during the three-day protest.







http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2008/10/22/29827/One-boy-dies-during-strike-in-northeast

22 October 2008, 11:01 AM
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One boy dies during strike in northeast

SAN FRACISCO OF MACORÍS. - 17 year-old Israel Polanco of gunfire during 
a confrontation between activists and police agents, amid a protest in 
San Francisco de Macorís (northeast), said the strike organizers.
The spokesman of the Falpo popular group, Victor Bretón, said Polanco 
was shot Tuesday night of by Police agents during the confrontation in 
the San Martin district. He said a still undetermined number of 
civilians were also injured.
Falpo and other organizations grouped in the Alternative Social Forum 
stage the two-day strike in San Francisco de Macorís, demanding of 
improvement of water and electric services and some road and 
infrastructure works.
SOURCE: clavedigital.com







http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=174301

22 October 2008, 12:50 AM
Protests in the Cibao leave 15 injured

SANTO DOMINGO.-Some fifteen persons were wounded with buckshot, more 
than 20 were arrested and the educational, productive and commercial 
activities affected, seem to be the preliminary results of the 48 hour 
strike that began yesterday in several provinces of the Cibao region 
called by the Alternative Social Forum in its demands for public works 
projects and other social benefits.

One of those wounded was Alcibiades Balcacer Garcia who was wounded by 
buckshot when he arrived at his house located in the pueblo Nuevo barrio 
of San Francisco de Macoris.

In that city, some of the bus stops worked yesterday, but the major part 
of the commercial establishments were closed along the major streets of 
the city.

In the barrios of the city, explosions of homemade bombs could be heard, 
and many streets were blocked with burning tires, large stones, tree 
trunks and other rubbish.

Some "colmados" and markets in the barrios only opened one door as a 
precautionary measure, while the service of the "motoconchos" was much 
reduced, as were local car services.

A plentiful amount of security forces was positioned around the city, 
with Police SWAT teams, Army groups and the Hunters from Constanza, 
carrying assault rifles, most noticeable.

The chief of the Northern Command of the Police, Brigadier General 
Ciriaco Nunez, told reporters that the situation in San Francisco de 
Macoris is under control.

The popular organizations of Duarte province were calling for the 
construction of a water treatment plant, more agrarian reform projects, 
freedom for some "campesinos" jailed two weeks ago, among other appeals.

In Hermanas Mirabal province (Salcedo), the 48 hours strike also brought 
about a school closure and affected commercial and industrial activities.

They called for highways, fewer blackouts and a better water supply.








http://dr1.com/news/2008/dnews102208.shtml

Protests in the Cibao
Protests are becoming routine in several towns and cities in the Cibao 
region. Two people including a police officer were injured during street 
protests. Diario Libre reports that 16 people have been detained and 
that police officers shot 17-year old Israel Polanco Santos while he was 
playing basketball during the protests in San Francisco de Macoris. 
Police are denying this, saying that unknown people shot him. Citizens 
are asking the authorities to fix roads, lower food prices and provide 
basic services. Listin Diario reports that 90% of the protests have been 
in San Francisco de Macoris and were only partially successful in 
Santiago. Diario Libre reports that 15 people were injured in Santiago, 
while 20 were arrested. Schools, transport and commerce all came to a 
halt in San Francisco. Concerns over the strikes led to the cancellation 
of the Gigantes/Aguilas baseball game on Monday as well as the 
Toros/Gigantes game. In Salcedo, demonstrators burned tires and threw 
objects into the streets. The Alternative Social Forum is partly 
responsible for the protests and says the public was making a stand, 
asking the authorities to fix roads, provide drinking water, reduce 
blackouts, lower gasoline prices and lower food prices.







http://dr1.com/news/2008/dnews102308.shtml

Cibao protests to continue
The 48-hour protest that began on Tuesday in San Francisco de Macoris in 
demand for several public works projects was extended for a further 24 
hours by a group of organizations belonging to the Alternative Social 
Forum (FSA). Two people were killed during the first two days of the 
protest. They were identified as the athlete and member of local Civil 
Defense teams, Israel Polanco Santos, 17, who was killed while playing 
basketball on a court in San Martin barrio, and Luis Gomez Nunez, 14, 
who was shot while riding his bicycle along Nino Risek Street in San 
Francisco de Macoris. Diario Libre also reported that at least 20 people 
have been injured by buckshot and rocks during the clashes between 
protesters and police, and another 20 have been arrested. The FSA 
spokesperson in Duarte Province, Eddy Munoz, said that a police patrol 
was responsible for the death of Polanco Santos. According to the 
commander of the Police for the northeast, Brigadier General Ciriaco 
Nunez, the police did not shoot at the young man, and he said that the 
shooter is still unidentified. The unrest has affected educational, 
productive and commercial activities, as was demonstrated during a tour 
of the city by DL reporters. The Forum is calling for the construction 
of a water treatment plant, changes in the Hydro-carbon Law, the freeing 
of 10 farm workers jailed a couple of weeks ago and the construction of 
a bridge over the River Jaya. The municipality of Navarrete was also hit 
by protests in several barrios and in the downtown area, affecting 
traffic along the Joaquin Balaguer Highway. During the disturbances, 
some unknown elements went around on a motorcycle and threw a homemade 
bomb at the CDEEE sub-station, causing some minor damage. In Hermanas 
Mirabal province, the protests also affected economic and educational 
activities, and three people were detained by the police.








http://dr1.com/news/2008/dnews102708.shtml

Cibao protesters get what they wanted
An official commission agreed to the Alternative Social Forum's demands 
on Friday and pledged to begin work on the projects that they are 
calling for this Monday as well as to investigate the deaths of the two 
young men that took place during last week's protests in the Cibao 
region. Nonetheless, the agreement is subject to the signing of a 
document that obliges the parties to work on the principal demands 
within the agreed timeframe. The leaders of the Forum set 5 November as 
the date for the commission, headed by Public Works Minister Victor Diaz 
Rua and National Police Chief Rafael Guillermo Guzman Fermin, to begin 
its work. Otherwise the protests will start again. During the meeting 
held at the Governor's Office, Diaz Rua and Guzman Fermin were 
accompanied by the director of the National Institute of Potable Water 
and Sewers (INAPA), Mariano German, the former director of the Dominican 
Agrarian Institute, Frank Rodriguez, the governor of the province, Luz 
Selene Plata and the mayor, Felix Rodriguez. Hundreds of people waited 
in the park outside the governor's office for the results of the meeting 
to be announced. The area was cordoned off by SWAT teams and 
sharpshooters were posted on nearby rooftops. The demands made by the 
four spokespersons changed course, somewhat, as each one agreed to ask 
for journalist Cesar Medina and his team to be declared "persona non 
grata" in San Francisco de Macoris, and demanded that the municipal 
council issue a municipal resolution condemning the alleged slurs made 
against the people of the city. They also wanted local cable companies 
to take the "Hoy Mismo" program, presented by Cesar Medina, off the air. 
Forum spokesperson Eddy Munoz demanded that damages should be paid to 
the families of the two deceased young men, and called for the release 
of those detained. However, the police chief had already ordered the 
release of some 20 of the protestors.









[August 2008]
http://dr1.com/news/2008/dnews081508.shtml#8
Cibao in a frenzy
Protesters, in response to continuous blackouts in Santiago and 
surrounding areas, took to the streets causing chaos and damage 
yesterday. Listin Diario reports protesters knocked down two energy 
towers, removing 69,000 MW of energy from the energy grid. The 
communities of San Francisco de Macoris, Arenoso, Villa Rivas, Castillo, 
Hostos, El Factor, Nagua, Sanchez, Samana have all been affected by the 
loss of the two towers. Also, protesters in Las Matas made their way to 
the EdeNorte offices and burned it, breaking windows and signs. In order 
to calm the situation police backup came from Cotui. EdeNorte officials 
say the prolonged blackouts are due to maintenance at the San Felipe 
generator in Puerto Plata. Sosa is asking for the public to be patient. 
Sosa also attributed power outages to the reduced capacity of 
hydroelectric generators in the Cibao.








http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2008/11/6/29972/Blackouts-sparkprotests-across-Dominican-Republic

6 November 2008, 7:35 AM
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Blackouts spark protests across Dominican Republic
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7:50 AM
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SANTIAGO.- The protests against the power grid’s collapse spread to 
different towns in Cibao, whose inhabitants demand an end to the blackouts.
The north region’s service is uncertain despite the resumed operation at 
dawn yesterday of Puerto Plata’s San Felipe power plant, with 160 
megawatts.
Yesterday the blackouts of up to 20 hours sparked violent street 
protests in the sectors Beijing, Los Ciruelitos, Gurabo, Espaillat, 
Dolores, and Los Platanitos, among others, during which 10 youngsters 
were detained,.
Other demonstrators blocked the Santiago-Licey highway setting tires 
afire, hurling stones and rubbish.
In Bayaguana (east), Police agents killed the athlete Eliezer de la 
Cruz, 17, during the protests, which also took place in La Romana (east).








http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101451820300.htm

Karnataka

Protest for drinking water
Correspondent
CHAMARAJANAGAR: The members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, 
Hasirusene, women self-help groups and Mariyala villagers staged a rasta 
roko chuluvali at Mariyala in the taluk on Monday, urging the Government 
to supply drinking water to the village and surrounding areas. The 
farmers alleged that though the pipeline works had been completed, the 
water supply had been delayed.
Speaking to the protesters, the Chamarajanagar MP, M. Shivanna, assured 
them that steps would be taken to supply water within two weeks.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/08/stories/2008100854460700.htm

Tamil Nadu

Protests on the rise in Karur as load shedding extends
Staff Reporter
Tamil Nadu Electricity Board officials not adhering to load shedding 
schedule, allege farmers in Cauvery-irrigated areas
— file Photo: M. Srinath

HELL HATH NO FURY: Villagers staging road roko in Thanjavur district, 
demanding proper electricity supply.
KARUR: Continued scheduled and unannounced load sheddings are attracting 
a lot of flak from people in Karur district. Reports of demonstrations 
against load shedding by various groups are increasing by the day.
While it was announced that the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) 
would resort to five hours of load shedding a day in the district, in 
reality it is close to seven hours a day.
Several areas of Karur town and district went without power for over 
seven hours on Tuesday. The duration of power cuts were not as per the 
announced schedule and that put the people to increased trouble.
As usual, industries and farmers had to bear the brunt while the women 
who had to prepare the children and office-goers to school and work 
found it immensely difficult to cope with theload shedding in the morning.
Residents also complain about extended load shedding in the dead of the 
night. From one hour in the past few weeks to two hours on the trot, now 
the power supply situation has only worsened and is adding to the woes, 
complain public.
As the power supply situation gradually worsens, the protest by the 
groups is proportionally getting shriller. Demonstrations against the 
power crisis have been held in all corners of the district. Reports of 
demonstrations have come in from Kulithalai, Thogamalai, 
Krishnarayapuram, Karur town, K. Paramathi, Aravakurichi and 
Velayuthampalayam.
The worst hit are farmers and industrial unit owners in the district. In 
the rural areas, farmers are organising demonstrations. Farmers’ 
organisations organised a protest in front of the Kavalkaranpatti power 
substation and presented a memorandum to the officials there demanding 
proper and prior information on the load shedding. The farmers claimed 
that they were finding it difficult to irrigate their fields and it was 
critical especially when the agriculture operations were picking up in 
the Cauvery-irrigated areas of Nangavaram, Nachalur, etc. They said that 
contrary to the State Government’s assurance, uninterrupted power supply 
for six hours in the day and eight hours in the night was not being 
adhered to by the officials. The local AIADMK unit has been organising 
street-corner meetings and speakers at the meetings are highlighting the 
worsening power supply situation.






http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php?sid=421335

Kerala being neglected, say protesting Left MPs
________________________________________

IANS Wednesday 22nd October, 2008
Demanding that Kerala's food grain quota and share of electricity be 
restored, MPs of the Left parties Wednesday protested outside parliament 
and condemned the negligence of the central government towards the state.

Kerala's food grain quota has reportedly been cut by nearly 90 percent, 
from over 100,000 tonnes to 17,000 tonnes over the past year.

The MPs, who held the protest before the Lok Sabha session began, said 
the government "should not divide people in the name of above poverty 
line and below poverty line".

On Tuesday, members of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) 
wanted to move an adjournment notion in the Lok Sabha on the issue. When 
this was denied, they staged a walkout.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/13/stories/2008101355780400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

CPI to join TRS’ protest against power shortage
HYDERABAD: The State council of CPI has extended its support to the call 
given by Telangana Rashtra Samiti to stage dharnas and demonstrations in 
Telangana region in protest against the shortage of power and fertilizer 
supply to farm sector plunging the agriculturists into a crisis.
The CPI State leadership called upon its leaders and cadres to 
participate in the demonstrations. The party lamented that despite 
adequate rain, the government failed to ensure seven-hour power supply 
assured to farm sector.
Coupled with shortage of power supply , the government failed to take 
steps to provide seed and fertilizer to ryots. As a result, farmers were 
unable to bear the high cost of diesel, the CPI said.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101050930300.htm


Tamil Nadu

Protest against undeclared power cuts
Staff Reporter
CHENNIMALAI: The textile town’s residents joined weavers, farmers and 
traders, who had downed shutters on Thursday, in expressing their 
protest against undeclared power cuts.
K.V. Ponnaiyan of Revolutionary Youth Front said weaving and agriculture 
had almost come to a naught here.
“Undeclared power cut is what affects us, because we do not know when 
power is cut and supplied. This undeclared power cut, which happens up 
to 10 times a day, has affected weaving and agriculture.”
Farmers, who had gone in for drip irrigation, were not able to operate 
pump sets and water fields, because of which they were turning debtors.
Similarly, the weavers suffered continuous interruption in the work 
because of the power cut.
Loss of revenue
They were not able to execute orders in time, leading to not only loss 
of revenue but also business, Mr. Ponnaiyan said.
Bharathi, also from RYF, said students who returned from school, were 
unable to study because of the power cut and children were unable to 
sleep in the absence of power. Anbalagan of traders’ association said 
unwanted elements were taking advantage of the power cut by stealing 
goods from shops.
Power mismanagement
K.R.P. Thambidurai of powerloom weavers’ association blamed the 
Government for what he called power mismanagement.
The leaders who led the protests also took exception to Tamil Nadu 
Electricity Board officials’ response at a meeting held on Wednesday.
The officers had reportedly expressed their helplessness in solving the 
issue.
The protesters wanted the Government to stick to the declared power cut 
schedule, so that the weavers and farmers could make a living.
Road blocked
Soon thereafter as the protesters attempted to block the Erode road, the 
police took them into preventive custody. The police said around 500 
persons, including 100 women, had been taken into custody.






http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081006/jsp/nation/story_9914718.jsp

Packet food sparks protest
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Cuttack, Oct. 5: Committee for Legal Aid to Poor (CLAP) has opposed a 
move by women and child development ministry to replace cooked meals 
with pre-packaged food for children under the Integrated Child 
Development Scheme (ICDS).
The ministry’s proposal to feed ready-to-eat processed food to some 8 
crore children between three and six years under the ICDS is likely to 
be placed before the cabinet for approval soon. “If the proposal is 
approved, crores of children will be deprived of cooked meals, which 
nutritionists stress is the best way to a balanced diet that 
pre-packaged food fails to proide,” said Bikash Das, the executive 
vice-president of CLAP.
In Orissa, the ICDS operates under 326 projects, including 314 community 
development blocks and 12 urban local bodies through 41,697 anganwadi 
centres.
CLAP, a legal support advocacy outfit, had submitted separate 
memorandums seeking intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and 
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi regarding the issue last week.
“Distribution of ready-to-eat food through ICDS will legitimise 
commercialisation of childcare and child nutrition in India,” stated one 
of the memorandums. Copies of the letter were made available to the 
reporters today.
“Besides, the proposal to feed ready-to-eat fortified food to children 
goes against the spirit of a judgment presented by the Supreme Court 
that mandates cooked meals for the lunch requirement of 300 calories and 
8 to 10 grams of protein for children up to six years of age,” said the 
executive president.
The court had made it clear that contractors shall not be used for 
supply of nutrition in anganwadis and preferably ICDS funds shall be 
spent by making use of village communities, self-help groups and Mahila 
Mandals for buying grain and preparation of meals. Apprehensions were 
expressed that pre-packaged food would automatically lead to a few large 
suppliers, manufacturers and distributors getting a captive and 
lucrative market across the country.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/24/stories/2008102458520100.htm

Left MPs continue protest in Lok Sabha over rice quota
Special Correspondent
________________________________________
Left MPs stage walkout in the Lower House
Kerala Congress(J) members join them in the protest
________________________________________

NEW DELHI: For the second day in a row, Left party members from Kerala 
disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha on Thursday over the reduction of 
the State’s quota of rice under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
However, unlike on Wednesday, when they picketed the well through the 
day, they did not hold up proceedings for long.
Instead, they walked out in protest against the ‘empty promises’ made by 
the government.
The issue was raised by N.N. Krishnadas of the Communist Party of India 
(Marxist). Stating that the Centre was discriminating against the people 
of Kerala by reducing its quota of rice through the PDS, he sought to 
point out the unfairness of such treatment given the fact that the State 
was food-deficit. Further, he accused the Centre of indulging in 
political vendetta.
“This is a clear case of discrimination against the people,” he said and 
charged the Centre with not cooperating despite the issue being raised 
for the past several months.
He was supported by his Left colleagues and those from the Kerala 
Congress (J).
(According to a PTI report, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who had 
suspended CPI(M) member A.P. Abdullakutty for a day on Wednesday for 
waving a paper on the same issue, reminded the Left MPs to maintain 
decorum, but later commented that “I know that the elections are too near.”)
With the Kerala MPs insisting on a response from the government, 
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi pointed out that Union 
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had responded to the matter in the 
House earlier this week.
The Minister added that their demand would be conveyed to the Prime 
Minister.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/08/stories/2008100858040300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur

Villagers stage demonstration
Special Correspondent
THANJAVUR: People of Marungulam village near Thanjavur staged a 
demonstration with empty plastic pots and picketed Marungulam panchayat 
office on Tuesday.
They demanded immediate supply of drinking water.
They did not get drinking water for more than a week, they stated.
As tension prevailed in the village, Thanjavur taluk police and revenue 
officials rushed to the spot.
Resumption
They pacified the villagers by assuring that they would be provided 
drinking water immediately. Thereafter, they dispersed.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/23/stories/2008102354280400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Small units shut shop to protest power cut
Special Correspondent
They also face credit squeeze and rise in prices of raw material
— Photo: M. Periasamy

airing their woes: Members of various industry associations taking out a 
rally in Coimbatore on Wednesday to protest against power cut. (right) A 
pump manufacturing unit, which took part in the one-day strike.
CHENNAI: Almost 6 lakh micro, small and tiny industrial units across the 
State shut their doors on Wednesday to highlight the impact of power 
shortage on this sector.
According to the Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association, 105 
small scale industry associations were involved in the effort to attract 
the government’s attention to their problems.
“Added to the power cut, the credit squeeze by banks and irrational 
increase in the interest rate, high input cost and huge increase in 
prices of raw materials have forced the SSI sector on the brink,” stated 
a TANSTIA release. It urged State and Central governments to intervene.
In Coimbatore alone, members of 35 industrial associations, representing 
50,000 industrial units of all sizes, shut shop.
The strike would have led to a production and revenue loss of nearly 
Rs.100 crore, according to the associations.
The affected industries included textiles, engineering parts, plastic, 
pumps and wet grinder manufacturers, power loom and sizing mill owners, 
grill workers and industrial estate unit holders.
Several thousand workers took out a rally from VKK Menon Road to 
Sivananda Colony, braving the rain. They presented a memorandum, 
addressed to the Chief Minister, to the Collector.
It stated that many industries had already abolished one shift of 
production and started laying off workers due to power cut. Exporters 
were unable to honour their commitments and may others faced penal 
charges and were defaulting on loans due to delay in production.
The government decision to make power available in the grid for only 20 
hours combined with a 40 per cent cut in permitted consumption will lead 
to 65 per cent production loss in the major units, the memorandum said. 
The government should come forward to share the cost burden of obtaining 
power from independent power producers.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/23/stories/2008102358890300.htm

Karnataka - Mangalore

Death of youth in accident sparks protest in Mangalore
Staff Correspondent
Febin Paul, a nursing intern, was knocked down by a private bus
________________________________________
Staff and students of SCS Hospital demand strict action against errant 
and rash bus drivers
Training and sensitisation programme for drivers of private buses being 
considered
________________________________________

Cry for justice: Members of the public and friends of the accident 
victim staging a protest in Mangalore on Wednesday.
MANGALORE: The death of a youth in a road accident on Wednesday sparked 
a protest in the city.
Febin Paul (22), a nursing intern at SCS Hospital, was knocked down by a 
private bus when he was walking on the pavement on Mother Teresa Covent 
Road. According to eyewitnesses, the bus veered off the road and went on 
to the pavement. The victim died on the spot. The driver of the bus fled 
from the scene and is absconding.
Outraged by the incident, members of the public joined friends of the 
deceased in blocking Bendoorwell Circle for over half-an-hour to protest 
against the negligent and rash driving.
A case has been registered with the Mangalore East police Station 
against the owner of the bus and the vehicle has been seized.
This incident follows the May 10 incident where Savitha (22) and Vikas 
(21) were crushed to death by a bus at the State Bank of India terminus.
Assurances
The protesters, who threatened to sit in until the driver was caught, 
withdrew their protest after receiving assurances from the police that 
measures would be taken to rein in private bus drivers.
Staff and students of SCS Hospital along with the Karnataka Educational 
and Charitable Trust, submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner M. 
Maheshwar Rao and Superintendent of Police N. Sateesh Kumar.
Their primary demand was that the Balmatta-Bendoorwell road be opened to 
traffic without further delay. They said that the road from Balmatta to 
Mother Teresa Convent Road was under extreme pressure from traffic that 
had been diverted from the Balmatta-Bendoorwell Road. They also demanded 
that police personnel be stationed at all important junctions in the 
city, particularly during peak hours, roads be repaired immediately and 
strict action be taken against errant and rash bus drivers.
Directed
Mr. Rao said that his office had directed the corporation authorities to 
speed up road repairs and also launch a drive to make all roads in the 
city pedestrian friendly.
He added that he had requested for immediate funds from the Government 
for setting up traffic signals at all major junctions in the city.
In his capacity as the Chairman of the Regional Transport Authority, Mr. 
Rao said that he had asked for reports from police stations about the 
cases booked against rash driving. “We are considering conducting a 
training and sensitisation programme for drivers of private buses,” he said.












http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1076877/Widow-switches-ALL-power-home-protest-crazy-energy-bills.html?ITO=1490

Widow switches off ALL power in her home in protest at 'crazy' energy bills
By Jaya Narain
Last updated at 5:53 PM on 13th October 2008

Cold comfort: Anne Myall refuses to use electricity in her home after 
receiving a string of massive bills she claims to be incorrect
It's a drastic step taken as a protest to highlight the drastic rise in 
the cost of her energy bills.
Furious pensioner Anne Myall has turned off all the power in her flat 
and is living by candlelight.
Hit by a series of expensive fuel bills the 72-year-old no longer spends 
her evenings watching television in front of a warm fire, instead the 
grandmother listens to a battery-powered radio wrapped in a blanket.
Mrs Myall has also dispensed with hot water and all her hot food comes 
from a local takeaway restaurant.
For lunch the pensioner has been tucking into pre-cooked supermarket 
chicken and plenty of cold salads and both her laptop computer and 
mobile phone are useless because she is unable to recharge them.
She has spent more than a fortnight living a life more akin to the 
Victoria age after Npower sent her a series of large fuel bills.
Mrs Myall, a widow who has lived alone since the death of her husband 
eight years ago, said: 'They have been bullying me and browbeating me 
for three years with silly, inaccurate bills upwards of £700 a quarter.
'I only have a one-bedroom flat and I'm very economical. It's just 
crazy, my electricity bill should be about £18 a quarter.'
She moved into the flat in Pocklington, North Yorkshire, three years ago 
and claims she was immediately hit by a bill.
Mrs Myall, a retired journalist, said: 'I received a demand for £53 just 
days after arriving. I have tried many times to contact Npower with no 
success. I even got one bill for £758.
'I'm often away in the winter and I never turn my heating on so I feel 
that they have just been using guesswork based around an incorrect meter 
reading they took when I moved in.'
The final straw came when Npower staff replaced her old meter system 
with a pre-payment system while she was abroad.
Unhappy that the work was undertaken without her knowledge, she felt the 
new meter used more energy than the old system and decided to pull the plug.

Protest: The widow has resorted to living without modern comforts in her 
one-bed home
She said: 'It's amazing how one can manage, I can't believe how well I 
feel for doing this. The biggest loss is being able to eat fresh 
vegetables because I love them but I'm getting by with eating salad.
'I love reading so I'm not really missing the TV, although I do miss my 
hot water bottle and I'm now looking for a gas camping stove. I've not 
been able to run my computer or recharge my mobile phone either.'
She added: 'This is really a protest against the energy company and the 
Government's lack of will to do anything about it.
'How Npower works out how much they charge I do not know. They can 
please themselves and have us over a barrel.
'If everybody switched their meter off for a week just to see what it's 
like, it would send a message to these companies that they're not 
untouchable.'
Npower claim Mrs Myall has an outstanding bill of £225 but have now 
agreed to clear the debt after hearing of her protest.
A spokesman said: 'We will be clearing her debt as a goodwill gesture as 
we do not wish to see her struggle.
'However it is vital for customers who feel they are struggling with 
their payments to contact their energy supplier as help is available.'





http://newsblog.projo.com/2008/10/protesters-ask.html

Protesters ask Carcieri to release millions in heating aid
1:23 PM Fri, Oct 24, 2008 | Permalink
Maria Armental Email

PROVIDENCE -- About a dozen protesters took to Governor Carcieri's 
office this morning asking him to release millions of dollars in heating 
aid to the poor.
The protesters, associated with Pawtucket-based George Wiley Center, 
gathered at the State House rotunda holding yellow signs that read "$38 
million," the amount the state recently received from the federal 
government to fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
Carcieri said through his spokespeople the money cannot be released 
until late next month. Usually that money is released in late February, 
the governor's office said.
The average grant for qualifying households is expected to increase to 
$480 from $340, the governor's office said.
To qualify, people can earn as much as 60 percent of the state median 
income. For a family of four, the cutoff would be $46,913.
-- With reports from Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau






http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=142462

Residents, shopkeepers protest power outages, bills Wednesday, October 
22, 2008
By our correspondent

Karachi

Residents and shopkeepers took to the streets violently in the Pakistan 
Chowk area on Tuesday against prolonged periods of load-shedding and 
inflated electricity bills.

Enraged citizens set old articles of furniture and tyres on fire on the 
main artery of the area and shouted slogans to vent their anger against 
the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) for subjecting them to 
prolonged periods of power outages and serving highly inflated 
electricity bills.

Atiq Mir, who runs his business in the Arambagh Furniture Market near 
Pakistan Chowk, told The News that the duration of load shedding spells 
during the last three days had doubled, as power supply in the market is 
shutdown for over three hours. Mir stated that at least two spells of 
load shedding occur on a daily basis during business hours.

Mir said that after the increase in electricity tariffs, traders in the 
furniture market had been served electricity bills with an average 
increase of Rs2,000. In case small traders don’t get an extension in the 
deadline for payment of power bills, they will no option but to default 
on payment.

Mir, who is also a member of the Alliance of Market Associations 
Karachi, said that he was hopeful that the KESC would announce extension 
in due dates for payment of electricity bills for the last month in the 
larger interest of small traders and businessmen in the city.






http://www.nowpublic.com/world/power-riots-erupt-karachi-due-massive-power-breakdown

Power riots erupt in Karachi due to Massive power breakdown
Share:
by Sanjay Jha | October 23, 2008 at 12:31 am
276 views | 2 Recommendations | 1 comment
Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city, is in severe power crisis. Karachi is 
Pakistan's economic nerve centre of banking, industry and trade. Power 
supply to the entire city was disrupted on Wednesday morning following a 
tripping in both the circuits of the Jamshoro-KDA link of the Karachi 
Electric Supply Company, neutralising the outdated and poorly maintained 
power plants as well as the transmission and distribution network, which 
left a shortfall of more than 500 megawatts.
In the immediate aftermath of the breakdown, electric supply to all 
major residential and commercial areas and vital installations, 
including the Karachi Airport, remained suspended for several hours. 
Around mid-day on Wednesday, there was no power supply at important 
military installations of Malir Cantonment.
Irate customers and angry traders burnt electricity bills and chant 
slogans against Karachi electricity supply company.
The provincial metropolis was hit by a massive power breakdown around 
mid-day on Wednesday, adding to the woes of people already under stress 
due to humid weather.

It was probably the first incident of major breakdown — amid recurring 
and prolonged load-shedding — since a new private corporate management 
took over the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) in mid-September.

The power breakdown was so widespread that it involved the entire 
electricity generation, transmission and distribution system of the 
metropolis. Although, there has been no end or reduction in frequent 
load-shedding, there was little or no evidence available on the ground 
to see any substantial steps taken by the new KESC management to 
improve, upgrade or expand the capacity and working of the overloaded 
electricity system.

The KESC officials said the power breakdown occurred due to the loss of 
high-tension transmission lines i.e. both circuits of Jamshoro-KDA link 
of 220kV of the KESC at around 11 am. KESC spokesman Kashif Effendi said 
tripping in transmission lines occurred due to Distance Protection 
Relay, which is a defence mechanism in the electricity transmission 
system. The fault in the transmission system had a cascading affect and 
engulfed the entire power generation, transmission and distribution 
system of the city.

The major causality of the breakdown was Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station 
(BQTPS) as electricity generation from its six power generation units 
came to a sudden halt for several hours. The power generation input from 
different independent power producers in the city and the Karachi 
Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) also stopped.

The KESC spokesman told The News that at around 7:30 pm, except for the 
unit no 1 of the BQTPS and the unit no 4 of the Korangi Thermal Power 
Plant, the rest of the indigenous power generation system of the KESC 
had been brought back to operation.

It would take several days before 80 megawatt power generation from the 
KANUPP would be restored. While power supply input from IPPs was also 
restored by Wednesday evening.The spokesman said after 3 pm, power 
supply to 70 per cent of the affected areas was restored while efforts 
were under way to restore electricity to the rest of the areas.
Source: thenews.com.pk






http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=142552

Presidency smells a rat behind Wapda protests Thursday, October 23, 2008
By Ikram Hoti

ISLAMABAD: The presidency smells a conspiracy behind the sudden spiral 
of anti-Wapda protests that have become particularly violent in the 
Punjab. However, an official said: “We are not yet accusing anyone of 
anything.” Farhatullh Babar told The News the protests were unnerving 
and unsettling.

“However, please note that we are not accusing anyone. They appear to be 
well-organised and not spontaneous. There sounds to be an element in 
these protests being staged by forces that might have agendas,” Babar added.

When his attention was drawn to the evaluations that these protests 
might be initiation of something big, he said: “We are weighing the 
intensity. We are very much alive to the situation.”

He did not give details of appraisal of power crisis and any decisions 
taken in the two meetings that took stock of the worsening outages. 
However, sources revealed to The News that the political fallout of 
protests did force the government to go for some drastic action. They 
were reluctant to point out that the Iranian foreign minister’s meetings 
with the PM and president over the weekend had something significant to 
do with the same issue.






http://www.dawn.com/2008/10/23/rss.htm#34

Protests compel govt to delay hike in power tariff Thursday, 23 Oct, 
ISLAMABAD: The countrywide protests have compelled Water Minister Raja 
Pervez Ashraf to differ for the next ten days implementation of the 
recently announced 31 per cent increase in power tariff. ‘I personally 
apologise to people for the hardships they are facing due to power 
shortages and appeal to them to not resort to protests, violence or 
damaging public property,’ Mr Ashraf said while speaking at a press 
conference at the Water Ministry. But, when the water minister 
reiterated his appeal to the nation to save energy, a reporter brought 
his attention to the cool and over-lit hall he was sitting in, which was 
buzzing with the noise of air conditioners, highlighting the irony of 
the situation. On the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime 
Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, a special committee has been constituted 
to investigate the existing confusion over increase in power tariffs. 
(Posted @ 23:20 PST)






http://allafrica.com/stories/200810280086.html

Uganda: Nansana Riot Was Sign of Frustration
27 October 2008

Kampala — On Friday morning seven-year-old Gordon Mwesigwa was hit by a 
speeding truck in Nansana on the Kampala-Hoima Road.
Mwesigwa was the fourth person to be killed by a speeding vehicle within 
a month at the very spot. The residents were so incensed that they dug 
up the road and lit fires in it, effectively blocking it.
In order to restore order, the Police were sent to the scene. Tear gas 
would not disperse them. When they failed to control the situation, the 
anti-riot Police fired live bullets in the air.
The residents would not relent and engaged the Police for over an hour! 
Carnage has become synonymous with Uganda's roads caused by either 
unfettered recklessness or by the terrible state of the roads. The 
firing of live bullets to quell the chaos was unwise and could have 
resulted in more deaths. The Police should have waited for tempers to 
calm down.
After all, the action of the residents was a cry of desperation and 
protest against the spate of road accidents on Uganda's roads. This is 
unfortunate because it seems to suggest that there is nobody in control! 
It appears it is the population that must now do something about the 
road traffic incidents.
A recent accident involvin a bus and a lorry near Lugazi, claimed 30 
lives while last year at Kitega on the same road, 30 people perished 
when a Costa collided with a lorry.
A war must be declared on road accidents. The churches and mosques 
should preach against these accidents and consider them at par with sin, 
curse, and the devil because that is what they have become!
The cool-headed intervention of Kampala Extra Police boss, Edward Ochom, 
who ordered the Police to stop shooting was commendable.
Speed humps on the spot could have prevented the loss of precious lives. 
Is that too much to expect from the transport ministry?
(New Vision)







http://allafrica.com/stories/200810270540.html

Uganda: Nansana Residents Riot Over Accidents
Chris Kiwawulo, Robert Mutebi and Samuel Balagadde
25 October 2008
Kampala — TEAR gas would not disperse them. Nor would the firing of live 
ammunition by anti-riot Police. Armed with stones and other missiles, an 
angry mob of Nansana residents engaged anti-riot Police in running 
battles for over an hour, disrupting business in the busy roadside town.
The residents were protesting the death of a schoolboy killed in a 
hit-and-run accident. He was the fourth person to get killed by a 
speeding vehicle within a short period at the same spot found in 
Nansana's Yesu Amala Zone, in Wakiso District, seven kilometres on the 
recently resurfaced Kampala Hoima road.
Six-year-old Gordon Mwesigwa, a pupil at Glory Primary School in Nansana 
was hit by a speeding truck on Friday morning.
Following Mwesigwa's death, enraged residents staged an impromptu 
demonstration, criticising the works ministry for failing to install 
humps to check the speeding drivers.
What started as a peaceful demonstration turned rowdy and eventually 
degenerated into total chaos. Shouting at the top of their voices, angry 
residents dug up a section of the road near the black spot, lit bonfires 
and blocked it with tree branches and logs, prompting the Police to 
intervene.
Running battles ensued as enraged residents threw stones at the Police 
who retaliated by firing tear gas canisters at them. "We are tired of 
speeding drivers who kill innocent people," shouted the angry residents, 
as they resisted the Police's efforts to disperse them.
The young and the elderly fled, but a group of hardened youths continued 
to engage the anti-riot Police for almost an hour. On realising that 
tear gas had failed to work, Police resorted to firing live ammunition 
in the air, which did not also work.
It took the personal intervention of the Kampala Extra Police boss 
Edward Ochom, who ordered his men to stop shooting and calmed down the 
situation. He convinced the residents to surrender the body of the dead 
boy, to the Police so that they take it for a post-mortem at Mulago. The 
residents had vowed not hand over the body.
Ochom assured the residents that he would personally work hand in hand 
with the works ministry to settle the problem by installing speed humps.
The road was recently resurfaced by Zzimwe Construction Company, which 
led to an increase in accidents by speeding motorists.
(New Vision)







http://www.sundayvision.co.ug/detail.php?mainNewsCategoryId=7&newsCategoryId=123&newsId=656327

Nansana residents riot over accidents
Nansana residents run for their lives after tear gas was fired
By Chris Kiwawulo, Robert Mutebi and Samuel Balagadde

TEAR gas would not disperse them. Nor would the firing of live 
ammunition by anti-riot Police. Armed with stones and other missiles, an 
angry mob of Nansana residents engaged anti-riot Police in running 
battles for over an hour, disrupting business in the busy roadside town.

The residents were protesting the death of a schoolboy killed in a 
hit-and-run accident. He was the fourth person to get killed by a 
speeding vehicle within a short period at the same spot found in 
Nansana’s Yesu Amala Zone, in Wakiso District, seven kilometres on the 
recently resurfaced Kampala Hoima road.

Six-year-old Gordon Mwesigwa, a pupil at Glory Primary School in Nansana 
was hit by a speeding truck on Friday morning.

Following Mwesigwa’s death, enraged residents staged an impromptu 
demonstration, criticising the works ministry for failing to install 
humps to check the speeding drivers.

What started as a peaceful demonstration turned rowdy and eventually 
degenerated into total chaos. Shouting at the top of their voices, angry 
residents dug up a section of the road near the black spot, lit bonfires 
and blocked it with tree branches and logs, prompting the Police to 
intervene.

Running battles ensued as enraged residents threw stones at the Police 
who retaliated by firing tear gas canisters at them. “We are tired of 
speeding drivers who kill innocent people,” shouted the angry residents, 
as they resisted the Police’s efforts to disperse them.

The young and the elderly fled, but a group of hardened youths continued 
to engage the anti-riot Police for almost an hour. On realising that 
tear gas had failed to work, Police resorted to firing live ammunition 
in the air, which did not also work.

It took the personal intervention of the Kampala Extra Police boss 
Edward Ochom, who ordered his men to stop shooting and calmed down the 
situation. He convinced the residents to surrender the body of the dead 
boy, to the Police so that they take it for a post-mortem at Mulago. The 
residents had vowed not hand over the body.

Ochom assured the residents that he would personally work hand in hand 
with the works ministry to settle the problem by installing speed humps.

The road was recently resurfaced by Zzimwe Construction Company, which 
led to an increase in accidents by speeding motorists.
Published on: Saturday, 25th October, 2008







http://www.livinginperu.com/news/7671

22 October, 2008 [ 10:31 ]
Peru citizens riot & block highway after children killed in traffic accident

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

After two children were hit and killed by a speeding vehicle as they 
attempted to cross a highway in the region of Lima, citizens took to the 
streets and blocked the highway early Wednesday morning.

10-year-old Luis Guiordy Anaya and his seven-year-old sister Jackeline 
were killed on Tuesday evening after they were hit by Juan Carlos 
Calderón, the driver of a gray Kia.

The accident sparked neighbors' rage, who decided to block the 13th and 
14th kilometers of Carretera Central in the Limean district of Santa Clara.

With rocks and sticks in hand, citizens have burnt tires on the highway 
and broken holes in the street, causing a tremendous traffic jam with 
hundreds of vehicles.

Furthermore, it was reported that bus passengers got off vehicles and 
walked to their destinations.

"They've destroyed my family, my life won't be the same without my 
children," said Luis and Jackeline's mother as she demanded that justice 
be served.

Despite the fact that the driver has been detained, mobs were formed and 
Carretera Central was blocked for hours.