A well-attended community meeting was held to voice grievances.
It was held at the Forderville Hall on Wednesday, February 26 at 5.30pm to introduce the new Restore Order Committee (ROC).
The ROC is compiled of community members who have had enough of promises that do not materialise.
These members belong to ward four and are more than prepared to do what it takes to receive what they believe the community is entitled to. The speaker, Bradley Trollip made the aims clear to the residents, and told them how willing him and his team are to resolve the matters at hand.
The aim of ROC is to get rid of misconduct, corruption and ensure development and service delivery.
Some of the matters discussed included the surveillance cameras that aren’t functioning, rate evaluations, scholar patrol and rehabilitation of roads.
Some of the members belonging to ROC addressed a few problems that have surfaced over the past few years, they then let the attendants voice how they feel about these problems.
The residents have noticed that ward four never gets recognised, though since it’s election time services have been delivered on time lately, to secure votes.
One of the many unanswered questions asked was: “Why is it that all surrounding areas have solar geysers yet ward four gets overlooked?”
Another question asked by a member of ROC was: “Why is it that ward four gets neglected yet residents happen to be the most dominant rate payers?
How will issues be resolved if the Mayor chooses not to attend such meetings?
Why is it that all wards besides ward four have recreational areas?
During the previous community meeting held in January at the Colita Hall, a resident asked the Mayor who is ward four’s councillor?
At that time late Mr Vahed was in hospital and the Mayor mentioned that he would be standing in until Mr Vahed’s position was filled.
The very same resident who asked that question wanted to know why didn’t he made the effort to attend the community meeting, even after receiving an invite, since he was standing in as ward councillor.
Mr Trollip then said: “Being unaware of who our ward councillor is causes a loophole in service delivery.” A few stories were shared as to how residents went about trying to rectify their issues themselves. Many of these stories really angered the people.
One of a few told was, a lady who has an electric pole in her yard ready to fall over, and she reported this five times before three municipal staff were sent out. “As soon they arrived they asked to leave since it was lunch time and never returned since then.”
The lady asked: “What would happen if the pole fell and damaged my home, who would pay for the repairs?”
“I have children,” she added, “what if anything happened to them?”
Another person with a similar issue waited for four years for it to be rectified.
A request for scholar patrol was made and that the bridge be repaired as it is not safe at all.
The residents were clearly very furious.
Matters revolving the youth and their studies were raised as well.
A youth leader said: “Sadly only ten percent of the youth attended the meeting and not because they not informed but because they do not get recognised.” As PR Councillor Edith Lite walked into the hall she was attacked with questions.
Ward Six Councillor Ally Buckus tried explaining his understanding of the issues faced by the community.
There were loud cheers given off the by attendants after a ROC member mentioned “live ubuntu.”
In closing each political representative from different parties gave their views and asked the community to stand together during this period for it would be fruitful.