Community Based Planning meeting turns into chaos in Rabie Ridge

Chaos erupted at a Community Based Planning (CBP) meeting in Rabie Ridge Community Hall on October 16.
The City of Joburg holds these meetings to update the community on the progress made by the city in addressing issues that residents have prioritised in their wards at previous gatherings.

Read more: Ward 92 and 110 councillors await community-based planning feedback
However, the residents became irate and threatened to manhandle the official from the city, when some of the issues they had raised in the previous CBP meeting were not on the agenda. Only the involvement of the Ward 80 councillor Melody Hlatshwayo calmed the tension down.

Some of the priorities of the residents in Ward 110 include the building of a community multipurpose centre in Mayibuye, stormwater and sewer system upgrades in President Park and sidewalks in Rabie Ridge. In Ward 80, community members want to be allocated temporary housing in the identified open land, upgraded electricity infrastructure and gravel roads including paving and speed humps.

Also read: Ward 92 councillor’s plans remain from last years CBP
Rabie Ridge Residents Association chairperson Charles Jones said it was frustrating that residents were invited to these meetings when their community issues were not being taken seriously by the powers that be in the city.

“I did not come here because I want to or I have nothing better to do,” he said. “However, as a representative of the community, I need to give them feedback and the outcome of the meeting. What am I going to say to the community when they ask me questions about this meeting? This was just a waste of time,” lamented Jones.

The CBP sessions play an important role in local government as they ensure that residents are actively involved in the service delivery of their areas. However, the city has been sluggish in ensuring that services, suggested by community members, are being delivered to them.

The city’s communication department was contacted for comment on October 21, 22, and again on October 28 but had not received a response to our media enquiry.
The publication was enquiring why there was no feedback on the issues the residents had raised at the previous meeting. The city was also asked how the city was planning to rectify this and ensure that residents’ main priorities received the much-needed attention they deserved.

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Related article: Councillor blasts CPB meetings amid poor attendance