February 24 was the so-called SOWA (State of the Ward Address) by Ward Councillor Robert Pienaar for the residents of his ward, consisting of Thokoza West, Phola Park, Eden Park East, Palmridge and extensions.
Pienaar gave a report on service delivery, achievements, improvements and all future planning. He mentioned the newly-built schools, new Palmridge Clinic and taxi rank, new court building and the new Olympic-sized swimming pool in Eden Park.
Having given his report, he emphatically stressed one point of concern, which gives him sleepless nights, unemployed youth. With this issue, all the residents in the hall agreed with the councillor that unemployment is of great concern and needs attention.
“My hope and aim is that with new structures like the court, the newly-built schools and new pool, that new employment will be created for our youth,” said Pienaar.
The meeting ended with residents given the opportunity to direct questions to the councillor and give their remarks, whether positive or negative. Many given the floor were concerned about the pothole-filled streets and the painful selective way of job offering when it comes to people in the area.
