Member of Parliament (MP) and the Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on immigration, Jacques Julius, visited Tswelopele, an informal settlement in Ivory Park, on 30 April to address issues concerning development in the area.
He was joined by Ward 1 councillor Derek Thomson as well as Member of the Provincial Legislature and DA political head for Bronberg Constituency, Graham Gersbach.
On their arrival, community members accompanied them around the area to expose the day-to-day issues they have to face.
Julius stated that during his trip around the area, he was able to identify a lot of issues most of which are a result of corruption. “The residents showed me a bridge which they believe the government spent R11 million on but, of course, it does not look like it cost that much money.
“Residents are complaining that after 25 years of democracy they cannot celebrate their freedom because their roofs leak when it rains, the government told them that the area was a temporary place to live in until their RDPs were done being built on the other side of the area in 2007.”
Gersbach said that the issues identified are old issues which, until today, have not been attended to. He reiterated that in 2007 when community members were moved they had left everything behind in the old area – their schools, clinic and police station and now have to use an unsafe bridge which overflows when it rains heavily.
Thomson said he was happy that despite the problems they are facing in the area, there is a bit of development which attracts a lot of people living in neighboring areas.
He added, “There will be a big transformation once we get electricity and if more community members could find jobs, we will make good progress.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/212196/joburg-water-delivers-mobile-chemical-toilets-informal-settlements-ivory-park/
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/175531/your-view-on-todays-parliament/
