Public and pvt sector leaders invited for Alex sleepout
ALEXANDRA – Comprehensive solutions only answer to Alex's woes.
Alexandrians who are in positions of leadership and power were implored to apply the adage, charity begins at home, in the interest of the township.
The request by philanthropist Linda Twala was directed at those in local government and the private sector who he said tended to gravitate away from the township which had molded and propelled them into powerful positions of decision making. “I invite them, Premier David Makhura and also captains of industries which benefit from Alex to come spend two nights in the township to understand the dire situation of poverty and mushrooming informal settlements,” he said.
Twala added that this would give them a better understanding of the hardships faced by the residents which required comprehensive solutions. He said this in reference to the issuing of title deeds, some of which were issued recently by Makhura to a few claimants with many thousands still pending. He also highlighted the filth, illegal dumping and environmental challenges in the township which he said was due to the lack of bylaw enforcement.
He urged the councillors and members of the mayoral committees with roots in Alex to raise their level of commitment to the area and to galvanise the public around the premier’s promise to make 2020 a year of action. “They should expedite the return of all title deeds and ensure that land promised for outstanding housing in nearby Linbro Park and Frankelwald is acquired.”
Twala also urged the leaders to re-introduce the tree planting culture which they grew up with. “This is expected of them as public servants and to plough back to the community they derive from.”
He also discouraged the culture of leaders who criticise each other. “Rather spend time in creating street committees to keep the roads and cemeteries clean, ensure public safety that will be emulated by children, and discourage them from crime. The committees he added should also encourage a culture of paying for services and discourage residents from wasting water by leaving taps dripping.
Related Article:
