Operation Sukuma Sakhe makes headway on the Bluff
Representatives of the mayor, councillor Mxolisi Kaunda embarked on a mayoral outreach visit to the Bluff, to inspect service delivery projects and socio-economic challenges faced by the community as highlighted by the ward 66 war room.
“THE Bluff boasts a wealth of economic potential that is yet to be tapped into.” This was the core message that Bluff councillor, JP Prinsloo sought to relay to the mayoral office of eThekwini Municipality on Thursday, 23 January as part of the Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) programme.
Representatives of the mayor, councillor Mxolisi Kaunda embarked on a mayoral outreach visit to the Bluff, to inspect service delivery projects and socio-economic challenges faced by the community as highlighted by the ward 66 war room. The purpose of the initiative was to bridge all departments of government together in efforts to gain insight on service delivery challenges, government programmes and projects that have meaningful impact on the Bluff as well as brainstorm on how government can work together with various stakeholders in improving service delivery and driving the development agenda of the community.
Stakeholders from various governmental and municipal departments and organisations were in attendance for the opportunity to have their opinions, proposals and challenges heard. Sodurba Community Toursim Organisation, South Durban Basin Area Based Management, Bluff Clinic, WESSA and the various ward 66 committees made up some of the local organisations in attendance.
Some challenges identified, presented by Prinsloo, included the lack of an emergency evacuation plan considering the area’s close proximity to refinery factories, lack of resources within the city’s department of parks, illegal trucking, poor service delivery from the city, slum houses, delayed beach upgrades, Phola Park informal settlement, The Dutch Club, vacant municipal land, Tara Road and the damaged Transnet houses to name a few. Issues discussed were escalated to the representatives of the mayor for his representatives for his attention in finding a way forward in developing the ward.
Following an informed sit-down presentation, officials and stakeholders were taken on a drive through the ward’s problem areas as well as those that have the potential to enhance the lives of the people residing in the community. These area included the Bluff showgrounds, the clinic, the whaling station, Phola Park, Donelley Road Convent, Transnet houses, Destiny Island and the whale watching viewpoint at Finnemore Place. Public meetings were also held with community members residing in informal settlements, in efforts to unpack their daily challenges and living conditions.
Ward 66 war room chairperson, Charles Leaven said that although there is a lot of work to be done, the proactive approach ended on a promising note, with chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee and member of the eThekwini executive committee, councillor Sipho Kaunda stating that he would make note of all the main challenges in the ward, especially those living in dire circumstances.
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