Maraisburg residents form new RA
The formation of the new residents association is currently in the planning phase and the help of neighbouring associations has been called in.
Residents are fed-up with not having adequate representation when it comes to dealing with municipal entities as well as with the safety and security of their neighbourhoods, and have decided to form a residents association.
According to Fayroza Wadvalla, she has been residing in Maraisburg for 24 years and in that time, has witnessed rapid dilapidation in the area.
“The area has become dirty and dangerous,” she says. “Crime is an ever-present danger and our streets are dirty.
“When it comes to dealing with municipal entities, it is each resident for him or herself. It is time that we band together as residents so that we can get things done for the good of our neighbourhood.”
Wadvalla says that she and a few other concerned residents have been discussing a way forward, and have concluded that the most efficient way to organise residents, is via a residents association.
“Service delivery in Maraisburg has deteriorated to such an extent that the health and safety of residents are being negatively affected,” adds Wadvalla.
“We suffer frequent and extended electricity outages, our street lights do not work, and we have frequent water outages, flooding and burst water pipes.
“Crime is out of control and our community is traumatised. We are forced to live our lives inside the safety of our houses. There are no safe spaces for residents or their children to enjoy because the criminals have taken over our neighbourhood. Drug dealing is rife and the dealers have become so brazen that they conduct their business out in the open with no fear of being caught.”
The formation of the new residents association is currently in the planning phase and the help of neighbouring associations has been called in.
A community meeting is being planned for 10am on September 28, in the parking area on the corners of Sixth Avenue and Seventh Street, opposite the mosque and next to the Maraisburg Bowling Club.
“At this meeting, residents will vote for a steering committee that will be tasked with the formation of the legal entity, the drafting of its constitution, and other tasks.
“Once that is done, another community meeting will be called where the community can vote for their official committee that will steer the resident’s association.”
