Community members in Trichardt meet in hope for change

TRICHARDT – The Trichardt CPF held a community meeting at Laerskool Trichardt to discuss their concerns in the community on Tuesday, 13 February.

Ms Ciska Jordaan, DA Councillor, gave feedback to those in attendance about what had been accomplished following the previous meeting.

The meeting was intended to draw a larger crowd, but the attendance was disappointing.

The main outcome highlighted the little help that the community receives from the municipality.

Attendees shared their views saying: “Sasol only helps Secunda, Bethal and eMbalenhle when they need help, but we are forgotten.”

Some of the main concerns at the meeting were the bad state of the roads in Trichardt, and the traffic in and out of the town.

The residents blamed the trucks that have full access to all the roads in the town, including residential areas, for the bad state of the roads.

Also, being discussed was taxi’s who do not respect the rules of the road and stop at any point, make U-turns at fourway stops and simply block the roads and affect traffic by parking on the side of the main roads.

“There were stop signs at the FNB fourway stop in the CBD, but people ignored it. Let us look at speed humps to slow cars down on that road,” said another concerned resident of Trichardt.

The residents called for the addition of traffic lights and the widening or addition of new roads, but were turned down due to the lack of budget.

Ms Jordaan said they would aim for the roads to be added to the next municipal financial year budget.

But, till then, the residents are hoping to raise money to effect the changes themselves.

The talk of fundraising for the improvements were raised.

The increase of crime in the area was also a hot topic.

Suggestions came forward about the community creating visibility and helping the police in fighting crime.

The increase of scrap metal dealers in the area was another concern raised by a community member.

He believed that the scrap metal shops are making it easier for thieves to sell the stolen goods as they are not requesting ID numbers or details of the people who are selling the goods.

“It has become too easy for the criminals to steal from us and sell our stuff to scrap shops,” said one of the community members.

The police encouraged residents of Trichardt to report crime and give details, even if it is anonymous, as it will help them catch criminals and clean up the area.

Ms Jordaan also commended the residents who followed up on issues and made a difference.

She was very hopeful and encouraged the community that there will be a change if they stand together.