At the request of City of Joburg officials, Ward 96 and 94 held a joint meeting to address residents’ service delivery concerns.
Ward 96 was first to air their concerns but many residents were unhappy as there was no representation from environmental health management, Joburg Water, City Power, Metro police or the housing department. Charmaine Zambetti, chairperson of the Three Rivers Association said it was imperative for the housing department to attend the monthly meetings as there were pressing issues in the informal settlements of Farmall and Kya Sands. Residents were concerned about the illegal dumping in Kya Sands.
Representatives from Pickitup said the city council had given the department a budget of R600 000 to remove all illegally dumped waste in Kya Sands. They said they were in the process of hiring a contractor to do this. However, attendees were flabbergasted when Pikitup suggested that residents should find a landfill site which the utility could move the illegally dumped material to.
Ward 96 councillor Matome Mafokwane demanded that the Pikitup representative call his supervisor immediately to clarify the statement for the residents. The issue was resolved and Pikitup decided to use the old Kya Sands landfill site.
Pikitup also resolved to clean-up Msawawa informal settlement, but said they needed help from Metro police to enforce illegal dumping bylaws. City Power was not present at the meeting but the issue of the frequent power outages in Kya Sands was brought up.
Mafokwane said City Power was aware of the letter that had been sent by residents to the Public Protector demanding that the utility address the issue.
The roads agency said they would repair the Armco barriers on Elm Avenue, and Willow and Poplar roads in Craigavon. They would also grade the roads in Farmall and Chartwell and would resurface Riverbend Road.
Mafokwane concluded the meeting by saying city council department representatives needed to be willing to engage with residents at Joburg 10 plus meetings, and not keep quiet or be elusive about service delivery as this gave the impression that they were arrogant.
Do you think Joburg 10 plus meetings are an effective way of improving service delivery? Share your views in the comments section below.
