Ward 110 councillor Lesiba Lamola wished residents well for the festive season and cautioned them to spend money wisely.
“Please take care of your families in this important time. As we spend our money, let’s not forget that January is coming. Our kids must still go to school. Although, we want to spoil them, let us not spend money that we don’t have,” said Lamola.
While he appealed to drivers to be safe on the roads, Lamola further acknowledged challenges encountered throughout the year. “I would not have done justice if I can’t speak to the issues of service delivery.”
He mentioned that a number of service delivery concerns were raised by residents during the year especially those of land for housing purposes.
“The famous land of Rabie Ridge was allocated R15 million and being small as it is, the money has not yet been spent. It’s like there is no plans by the City to spend it soon.”
He cited that numerous meetings were held in Rabie Ridge by various stakeholders where it was agreed that the land would be fenced. However, this has not yet happened.
In addition, he said people of Themba Khosa in Midrand were out on the streets for more than three days in November complaining about land. “Up to today they never got a clear answer. They were promised an answer in seven days by the MMC of housing.”
Lamola alleged that many projects for the 2016/17 have been halted by the City without reason. Among them, he mentioned the swimming pool project in Ward 111 and the multipurpose centre in Ward 92. “The question is what will happen to the current budget which will not be spent.”
Despite the challenges encountered, Lamola encouraged residents to voice their complaints, but also to do so in the right manner. “Voters need to be taken seriously. They must continue voicing their concerns and do so in a respective and disciplined manner.”
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