Ward 73 community task team unite to get Paterson Park project on track
NORWOOD – MMC Masango is expected back again to meet with the community leaders in February to ensure progress at the park.
Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett confirmed on 30 January that the challenging issues pertaining to the development of Paterson Park Recreation Centre were finally being dealt with.
Huggett told North Eastern Tribune that MMC Reuben Masango, responsible for the Department of Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, met with a residents task team to discuss the matter.
The local community is accusing the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), which is responsible for the project, of sidelining them regarding employment opportunities, especially SMMEs.
Huggett said Masango met community representatives in Norwood on 29 January including JDA’s senior managers to try to find a lasting solution.
Huggett said the meeting was to try to find solutions to the challenges faced by the community and to ensure that the work went ahead as planned. This was also to ensure that there were no more stoppages and interruptions, she added.
The community is complaining that they were not being afforded job opportunities for the construction project earmarked to build a swimming pool, tennis courts, soccer fields, a media centre and a gym.
“After much discussion, a resolution regarding work packages was agreed upon,” said Huggett.
“All existing work packages that were previously agreed upon, including the ones given to SMMEs outside Ward 73, would be honoured.”
The project is due to be completed in November this year and Huggett said that would be possible should there be no further work stoppages.
Masango’s spokesperson, Poppy Louw, confirmed on 31 January that the meeting did take place but did not wish to reveal the details saying discussions were still underway.
“The MMC will be doing a site visit in February and meet all representatives to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing the project and the SMMEs in the area,” she said.
Community leader, Venitta Masisi, said, “The meeting was fruitful and we managed to come to an agreement. We will have a follow-up meeting with all the SMMEs and JRA soon.”
Details: Eleanor Huggett 071 785 8068.
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Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/222302/lack-of-funds-delays-construction-paterson-park-renovations/
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/224238/building-project-continues-at-paterson-park/
