Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) was held from March 2 to 6 at eMalahleni.
They also visited government rendered projects and public hearings were also held. This allowed members of the legislature to have firsthand information on progress, challenges and quality of work being rendered.
“Most importantly, during the TLP week, there were sittings of the legislature which saw the debate on the recently delivered State of the Province Address by Mabuza. MECs also had an opportunity to respond to questions for oral reply,” reads a statement from the office of the premier.
The community of eMalahleni were able to experience how the legislature conducts their business and were able to direct their questions to the different MECs and executive mayor.
Community members voiced out their problems and were answered by the different MECs and the executive mayor.
One of the community members complained about staying in a hostel without a title deed and wanted to know who qualifies for one. Another said she has been waiting for an RDP house for more than 40 years, another from Ward 4 complained about streets without names. Another resident complained about sewerage, lack of youth community centres and skill development centres, especially for youth.
A resident of Spring Valley said: “I wanted to open a case at Witbank Police Station and was referred to Kriel Police Station, which is very far away from here.”
One of the residents said they should provide Community Work Programme (CWP) workers with protective clothing.
Others raised issues about opening business and rezoning in their areas, no chairs or a stage at Hlalanikahle Hall.
Santa Village residents complained that they have not been moved after being promised to be moved to Klarinet as they are without water and toilets. Another complained that Spring Valley has a lot of problems, as it is not developed.
Blind man, Mr Noah Themba, raised his problem of being evicted from his house, which he has a title deed to.
“I have been to all the offices, including the president’s office in Pretoria and I have been sent from pillar to post. I was arrested for 21 days at Vosman Police Station and my crime is that people want my house.”
Others were told to write down their problems, which will be noted and they will receive response.
Mr Vusi Shongwe indicated that some police officers are just lazy and the community must make sure that they note their names and report them.
He also encouraged them to have case numbers and so that their complaints can be investigated further. He also said community members must help the police to deal with drug issues and must come with evidence so that drug dealers can be arrested.
Gillion Mashego said they were working very hard to improve health service at Klarinet Clinic as more nurses will be added to the clinic. A clinic committee will be appointed within two weeks. He also assured the people that Hlalanikahle Clinic would improve its service.
Executive mayor, Cllr Salome Sithole, in her response said the Spring Valley issue was still a priority after a resolution was taken that water pipes will be installed after a feasibility study was done. She added that all people living in informal settlements will be relocated, but it will take time as the number of those in need of houses increases every year.
“Premier Mabuza said 75 hectares of land are already available for Masakhane people and the people will be moved there. Our plans for relocation are still on course. People staying at Old Coronation would be moved because that place is not safe as it has sinkholes,” she said.
Other MECs also answered some of the issues raised by members of the community, while other problems were noted down to be answered later.
