NELSPRUIT – This week council deferred concerns about the safety of pupils in Ward 15 to next year. Ms Felicity Lange, ward councillor, brought up the alleged drug peddling and traffic violations around Lowveld High School during an ordinary meeting of Mbombela on Thursday.
These concerns were first raised by her and her education committee in August. It was reported that Mbombela confirmed that the traffic department was too understaffed to address the need for law enforcement at schools. The main concerns raised by Lange last week were the safety concern posed by taxis and the alleged availability of drugs in the area.
Mr Werner le Grange, DA councillor, seconded his colleague’s motion in council. Lange said one of the by-laws they were concerned about was getting a proper rank for the taxis ferrying pupils, since they continue to illegally park on the sidewalk, according to the ward councillor.
Mr Joseph Ngala, spokesman for the municipality, confirmed that the status quo had not changed. Council deferred the motion for further investigation.
The speaker, Ms Jesta Sidell, recommended that the member of the mayoral committee for public safety, health and emergency services, Mr Pat Nkala, report back to council in 2014, when it reopened.
