Absolute silence filled the Newcastle Town Hall last Wednesday evening.
Ward 4 Councillor, Bertie Meiring, and his committee waited patiently for residents of his ward to arrive for a public meeting.
The meeting was called to discuss problems and find resolutions to matters pertaining to the ward.
One of the issues Cllr Meiring said was necessary to discuss, was that of illegal dumping.
While disappointed that no one attended the meeting, it was speculated residents were losing interest in the lack of service delivery and the politics surrounding it.
“We don’t know if people didn’t come because of a lack of feedback after airing their grievances, but residents should attend public meetings so issues can be brought forward, documented and taken to the relevant departments,” Cllr Meiring said.
He said he understood the community’s frustration.
“A lot of people think meetings don’t bear any success, and the only way results can be seen is if the municipality comes on board and does its part. After the elections, we will call for a meeting to introduce the new councillor and his team to the community,” he concluded.
