Vandalism, addicts hamper facelifts for community centres in Govan Mbeki Municipality
An addict was gunned down in the same hall and it would have been prevented if the fence was in place.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality’s (GMM) mayor promised to put his head on the chopping block if a perimeter fence was not installed at the Sijongile Ndamase Community Hall in eMbalenhle by the end of the next financial year.
Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma made this promise in his February State of the Municipal Address (SOMA). He said this formed part of the facelift for all community centres in the GMM.
The eMbalenhle community welcomed his commitment and hoped a fence would keep out drug addicts who had turned the hall into their home.
At the time, several residents felt that the hall was part of eMbalenhle’s heritage.
“Since the mayor’s announcement, we celebrated and thought it was the beginning of repairs to our hall, but nothing has yet happened.”
Recently, someone gunned down an addict in the hall, and some people believed it could have been prevented if the fence was in place.
“Every day and night, illegal activities happen in that hall, and no one cares. It is adjacent to the elderly clinic.
“We pray for our grannies’ safe return when it is time for them to attend that clinic. They are at risk of being raped or robbed,” said a street vendor next to the hall.
The municipal spokesperson, Donald Green, said the municipality would revamp the facility to restore its former glory.
ALSO CHECK: Mayor says Govan Mbeki Municipality is filthy
Green said the municipal budget had just begun on July 1.
“Educating and informing the community to respect and not vandalise the facility would be welcomed.
“The culprits live among the community and are known by some residents.
“They must report the crimes and play their role in ending the constant vandalism affecting our municipality,” said Green.
