Community issues bashed out at meeting in Glencoe

Issues, along with tempers, were raised during a meeting held to address community grievances in Glencoe on July 4.

The meeting was held at the Glencoe Civic Hall and was used as a forum for community members to raise issues and concerns that were recorded and forwarded to Mayor Mahaye.
Some of the issues raised were:
The ongoing title deed saga
Residents were up in arms and claim to be fed up with waiting for title deeds.
Infuriated resident, Rabie Mathurapersad, has had enough. “Title deeds is our main problem. For years we have waited and listened to Councillors who have done nothing to help us.”
Many other residents shared Mr Mathurapersad’s sentiments. One resident also showed her vehement anger and stated, “we are fed up of waiting for title deeds while our Mayor goes home to a R800 000 car and a comfortable house while our people are living on the streets.”
The resident further voiced her displeasure and stated,”we want answers. We voted in good faith so show your faith.” Her statement brought tears to some residents who have waited up to 30 years for title deeds. Bashir Khan agreed that the situation is dire and also added that, “the past trend – that of residents in that area paying rates and rent – is illegal”. Along with the issuing of the title deeds many residents faced other title deed related predicaments such as having difficulty in filling out the form while some did not receive the form at all. Others feared that they would have to pay for the title deeds as an alleged price had been attached to the documents.
Councillor S. Dlamini quickly quelled that fear and stated, ‘once the forms are filled in, you will get the title deeds free of charge.” Mr Dlamini also added that, “the 49 houses promised to the residents will be free and they cannot be expected to pay transfer costs”.
Solutions quickly surfaced for the other title deed related problems. One resident, known as Uncle Bobby, volunteered to assist with filing out the forms, the latter of the title deed issues was attributed to a shortage in forms but will be resolved once more forms arrive.
Housing issues
Other issues pertaining to housing were also brought forward. The issues included; The building of RDP houses in the area, a promise that has been in existence since 1994 but to date has yielded no results. Residents claim that 400 houses were promised.Vacant houses left unoccupied while many residents are without homes also made the agenda. The incomplete erection of the retaining walls project was also adduced.
Other issues
While title deeds was a burning issue and one that every resident experienced, other issues also made the list. These problems included: The need for youth development in the area. Mr Khan raised the issue of youth development and alluded that, “if the youth are uplifted the community will be uplifted as they are the future of the community”.
A fund for youth development that can be used to fund stimulating activities and projects for the youth, such as the erection of a gym, was also raised. The absence of fencing on a sports ground in the area, the down wash on the roads after heavy rainfalls, the issue of refuse being left behind and the request for free bin bags also surfaced.
The issue of the lack of social responsibility by local businesses also topped the lists as residents feel not many local businesses give back as they are supposed to.
All issues and complaints were recorded and the meeting was concluded after residents collectively agreed on the formation of a ‘task team’ who will take up the plight of the residents and fight till they receive solutions, answers and change.