Maraisburg RA off to a flying start

The newly formed Maraisburg Residents Association (MRA) has grown in leaps and bounds since their recent formation, and they held their first public meeting as a fully registered RA and NPO on Tuesday, November 5.

According to committee member Fayrosa Wadvalla, the meeting was well attended by representatives from various entities, including City Power, Florida police, JMPD and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos.

“We were also thrilled to host our Ward 86 councillor, Chantelle Fourie-Shawe.”

Colonel Amos Tsotsetsi, in his final public appearance as station commander of the Florida Police Station, attended the meeting, assuring residents that crime in their area will continue to be prioritised.

“The meeting went quite well,” says Wadvalla, adding that the topics of discussion centred mostly around service delivery – or the lack thereof – in Maraisburg.

“It was our chance to get answers from the entities on why service delivery and response times in Maraisburg are poor.

“Entity representatives played open cards with the residents, telling us of the progress they have already made, the projects that are in the pipeline, and also explaining the challenges faced regarding service delivery in our area.

“All the entities have assured residents that they are working hard to overcome these challenges and improve their service delivery.”

Wadvalla says the MRA is determined to bring real change to the communities of Maraisburg.

“Just getting the entities on board and attending our public meetings is already a big step in the right direction. The MRA gives the community a much stronger voice, and this is just the beginning.

“We are planning several community initiatives aimed at the betterment of our neighbourhoods.

“The first of these, a community vegetable garden is already being launched. We plan to take back our open areas and parks, work closely with law enforcement to push the criminal element out of our neighbourhoods, and make Maraisburg a desirable area once again.”