Challenging year for MUCF

Mr Mike Spadino, the chairperson, said the MUCF did not have a successful year. One of the forum’s aims was to provide residents with a much-needed community centre. Despite a presentation made to council months ago highlighting the need for a community centre and suggesting a possible location, the MUCF was unable to get council to secure a budget.

“We need a community centre to keep children off the streets, away from drugs and alcohol and to help them develop their talent,” said Mr Spadino.

Mr Spadino also said the suburb faced huge challenges over the past year. Although several operations were conducted by council in conjunction with SAPS and other departments, crime and bylaw contraventions continue.

“The most concerning problems over the past year were the number of illegal buildings and overcrowding, illegal electricity connections, other bylaw contraventions such as dumping, illegal hawking and environmental transgressions. We are also concerned about the theft of cables, theft of manhole covers, sale of drugs and other crime,” said Mr Spadino. He said the SAPS is taking action against drug dealers and people caught in possession of drugs and there has been a notable degree of success. However, more has to be done.

He believes the suburb can improve with more council operations and education. He also said that service delivery in the suburb has to improve to bring about a positive change. “Pikitup is doing a great job. They empty bins in Jules Street every night and pick up the rubbish. City Power is also fixing street lights in Jules Street. More can be done in the side streets,” said Mr Spadino.

He said the lack of service delivery and action against transgressors results in some residents doing as they please and getting away with it.

“Residents are building extra rooms on premises, some on boundary lines and opening shebeens. This leads to crime and grime. Residents’ apathy is also a concern for the MUCF. There needs to be a complete change of attitude from residents. Many residents have a culture of filthiness. Illegal dumping is a big problem. This is being caused by local businesses and residents. There needs to be more community involvement in reporting crime, attending sector meetings and CPF meetings. People need to get more involved. There is hope for Malvern if the community and council can work together. Look at the inner city. It is slowly being transformed. This needs to happen in surrounding suburbs,” said Mr Spadino.