Nkongolwane community members cry out for help
We are a poor community and lots of people here do not have jobs. Our houses are falling apart, but no one cares about all of that. We want to be seen and heard as a community!’’
Community members of Nkongolwane (section 2, Ward 23) have raised concerns regarding service delivery.
The residents have pointed out numerous issues they face in their area.
Speaking to the Vryheid Herald journalist, they said that they have decided to take the initiative to do whatever they can to keep their ward clean and accessible – as they cannot wait for their leaders to do it for them. The community members indicated that they have not seen any form of service delivery since 2004 and they have now formed a non-profit organization (NPO) called ‘Sibambene’ (meaning ‘we are together’).
They explained that they decided to form an NPO because they need funding and equipment in order to clean their community. One of the members explained that they have about five councillors in the area and the former mayor stays in their ward, but they hardly ever see them. He said, “We were told that our ward is not on the map of AbaQulusi and hence we are never in the budget.
So my question is: If we are not on the map, why do they come to us for votes whenever it is election time? The minute we have voted, they forget about us!’’ Another community member mentioned that, “We don’t know what is happening in this area.
We get no feedback on what is happening at the municipality, and we do not see officials repairing anything. We are a poor community and lots of people here do not have jobs. Our houses are falling apart, but no one cares about all of that. We want to be seen and heard as a community!’’
The NPO members said they started doing things for themselves in February after knocking on different doors for help and receiving no assistance.
They say that the municipality has failed them. Now they are fixing the roads, as well as cleaning the roads and drains themselves because, when it rains, water flows into their houses. They have started fixing each other’s houses that are failing apart.
They have also started a ‘whistleblower’ campaign to tackle issues such as rape cases (that increase every day) and streets lights.
They urge business owners to help them with cleaning materials and anything else that might help.
The members meet every weekday for about an hour or two to clean or repair whatever is in need. Anyone who can assist the community of Nkongolwane can contact 072 704 3310 / 976 855 4546.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
