Delarey residents want answers
While concerned residents, including the community spokesperson and Ward Councillor attended the meeting, the private entity who was granted permission to develop the facility, was a no-show.
The Record recently reported on the criminal activities occurring at the former Ridgeview Tennis Club facility situated on Mollie Road between 9th and 10th Streets.
READ MORE: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/?p=626673
In efforts of claiming back the facility from perpetrators, local residents were called to a community meeting which was held at the Full Gospel Church of God in Delarey on the evening of Monday, October 24.
The meeting was aimed at discussing issues and solutions pertaining to the tennis courts. While concerned residents, including community spokesperson Faiza Marks and Ward Councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe attended the meeting, the private entity who was granted permission by the Department of Sport and Recreation to develop the facility, was a no-show.
According to Marks and Fourie-Shawe the meeting was productive with different ideas and solutions being discussed. The Record subsequently approached the private person – who is known to the residents, but requested not to be identified – with some questions pertaining to the undeveloped facility.
He was asked why he didn’t attend the meeting, why he hadn’t developed the facility within the past year as stated on the permission letter and whether he still plans on developing the facility.
Although he was forthcoming with information he was reluctant to have it published and had no plausible reason for this request.
“On Monday he requested that the meeting be postponed, but we declined as the involved community members already committed and were eager to follow through with the meeting. He was well aware that the meeting was still going to proceed, but he simply didn’t pitch,” Faiza explained.
After having approached the City for answers, Fourie-Shawe hopes to work closely with the relevant departments to have the matter resolved as soon as possible.
“My concerns are mainly regarding the management, or lack thereof, of the facility at present. In my understanding sections 11, 13, 14, 16, and 21 of the permission letter agreement has been breached,” Fourie-Shawe said in a letter to the City.
All the while, the community continues to stand together in the fight against crime. This is a developing story and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
