Actonville community raise issues
Community members gathered at the Light House Church hall in Actonville on Wednesday (May 25) for feedback from the mayor about issues they face, but he did not pitch.
However, he did not leave them stranded.
READ: Mayor outlines plans to grow economy
He asked the MMC of the Ekurhuleni water and energy department, Clr Doctor Xhakaza, and the city manager, Khaya Ngema, to convey his apologies and attend on his behalf.
The evening started with Richard Pillay, the chairman of Ekurhuleni Crime Intervention Unit (ECIU), together with Clr Xhakaza, awarding gratitude certificates to several local community workers.
One such worker was Covilan Govender, the pastor of the Light House Church.
Pillay then listed a few issues he received from the community which they face:
• Negative attitude from EMM members and treated with disrespect when approaching the EMM for various housing problems.
• Various forms of drugs in the community.
“We conducted a survey in the council flats and concluded that 45 per cent of people are unemployed,” Pillay said.
• Several streets have too many potholes and speed bumps need to be built on Soma Street, outside Sunshine Hospital.
• Limited or no toilets, water and electricity in hostels.
•Actonville is in need of an orphanage because too many children are seen sleeping on the streets and begging for food.
Clr Xhakaza responded to a few of these issues:
• All reported issues have been recorded and will be dealt with accordingly.
• The city manager will speak to those involved with customer services about the treatment of residents.
• On June 8, provincial government will be in Actonville dealing with the issues of crime, including drugs.
• The mayor deals with housing issues including hostels every Thursday, so he will help where he can.
The acting chief of police (EMPD), Goodman Mzolo said police are doing their work but it is clear they need to up their game.
“We also visit schools and the community as part of our social programmes to educate members about various issues,” he said.
Ngema also made mention that children who beg for food need to be in school in order to benefit from the food banks programmes available.
Lastly, customer relations manager (CRM), Helen Naidoo, gave her email address to those who attended the meeting.
“We will deal with all challenges which are brought to our attention,” she said.
Also read:
