Community gather to discuss pressing issues

Several issues were discussed at the general meeting arranged by the Hazyview Chamber of Business and Tourism (HCBT) recently.

More than 100 people turned up.

It was attended by officials Vincent Mabuza, Jomo Malupe, Patrick Khoza and Ward 1 councillor Eric Fankomo from the City of Mbombela. Representatives from the Ehlanzeni District Municipality also attended.

James Aling and Renate Scholle from the Riverside City Improvement District (CID) gave a presentation on the value of creating the same for Hazyview and how to proceed in an application.

A local CID can be beneficial for better service delivery, crime prevention and overall appearance of the town. It should also streamline dealings with different departments at municipal, district and provincial level.

After explaining the concept, those present were encouraged to not only buy in, but also discuss it with property and business owners in town, as well as neighbouring farmers. “A tourism town needs to have a safe and friendly image, and we are losing tourists to other towns at an alarming rate,” remarked chairman, Chris Harvie.

Other matters including traffic-control issues, recycling, crime prevention and the replacement of the town’s sewage plant were discussed briefly, with special mention of the desperate need to establish a fresh produce and curio market to eliminate the illegal stalls next to the R40.

The next meeting with the municipal manager is scheduled for June in the run-up to the July school holidays.

A meeting with the roads and traffic departments to discuss signage, road blocks and problem areas on roads, including the Kruger Park Lodge entrance and numerous others, will also take place soon.

The town will celebrate its diamond jubilee next year and suggestions for celebrating it are awaited.

In closing, representatives were encouraged to freely share information regarding good service received from local businesses in order to relay the town positively to the tourism industry