‘Safety is a major concern in Region F’ – MMC Funzela Ngobeni

City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Development Planning councillor Funzela Ngobeni addressed residents at an Integrated Development Plan feedback session of Region F communities.

The sessions aim to outline the City’s strategies, its development priorities, giving feedback on issues raised from previous consultation processes and ward budget allocation updates.

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A primary concern among residents was that of crime and drug abuse, and the steps the City would take in alleviating these problems.

“Safety is a major concern in Region F,” said Ngobeni.

“Let me make this clear, I understand your frustrations. I also want to assure you that we’re improving our checks and balances. The City is monitoring performance and punishing non-delivery so that you can see a difference in how we do things.”

He reassured residents that the City would increase the number of Metro police on patrol to enhance visibility at any given time of the day to deal with issues of crime and drug abuse.

“We are committed to increasing crime prevention efforts, with a focus on increased visible policing in order to create a safe city for residents and deal with the drug problem within the city. Transparency is key in running the City of Joburg.”

Addressing Ngobeni, chairman of the Observatory Ratepayers Association, Pieter van Zyl said City officials were not serious about addressing residents’ issues. “I submitted the very same wish list to you councillor Ngobeni earlier this year and nothing has been done.”

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Observatory resident Joseph Dube also had his say and said Metro police were unable to police the unbearable noise pollution in Yeoville. Another resident, Ellen Ngomane said Rockey Street, Yeoville’s major thoroughfare road, was crime-ridden. She added that illegal churches were still mushrooming around Yeoville.

In his response, Ngobeni said the City could only do so much and residents also needed to be the eyes and ears of the City, promoting a two-way relationship between them and the residents.

Details:www.joburg.org.za