Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Solly Msimanga has initiated an environmental clean-up around Soshanguve and Mabopane as a positive to the public meeting which was held in Soshanguve over the weekend.
This is following the meeting he had with community members that on Monday he set the ball rolling in other parts of Soshanguve after the residents voiced out their concerns to the Executive Mayor and his mayoral committee on three public meetings held over the past weekend.
On Monday, Mayor Msimanga sent out a team of cleaners around the Soshanguve areas including the horrifying dumping sites around Mabopane station and surrounding areas.
Mr Msimanga made promises to the residents regarding the clean-up of illegal dumping sites, which are accompanied by serious health risks, as well as the non-working street lights.
“I made promises to residents of Soshanguve during our public meeting. This morning (Monday) we started honouring them,” the Mayor said. The mayor assured to implement ways to reduce illegal dumping.
“We will be putting up skip-bins, distributing refuse bags, where there are no bins. Adding heightened education & awareness campaigns as well,” he said.
The City of Tshwane has urged community members to stop illegal dumping, and educate the younger generation on how to take care of the environment.
The meetings’ of the feedback on the adopted 2017/2018 IDP and budget were held at Rethabiseng and Ekangala in region 7, Soshanguve Region 1, and ward 11, 25, 26, 27 and 94. Residents who gathered at Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa hall in Soshanguve used the opportunity to lay down a number of concerns needed to be attended to immediately.
“The City of Tshwane is busy developing an economic future that is prosperous and inclusive. To do this we have put in place a budget that is financially viable and that speaks directly to our IDP.
Our budget is fully funded and balanced and is confirmation that we have heard the people of Tshwane and we are putting our money where our mouth is,” said Mayor Msimanga.
Residents raised concerns on two new informal settlements that need rudimentary services. It was also raised that 92 RDP houses have been invaded in Block JJ and HH. A common infrastructure challenge raised was the tarring of roads and insufficient storm water drainage systems. The community experience discontent with dust, flooding and movement challenges when it rains.
In response to the number of community outcries, Tshwane mayor said that the City would provide the rudimentary services and schedule a shack marking process for the two informal settlements. Mayor Msimanga also indicated that the City has put aside R2.2 million in the current financial year to maintain the gravel roads and fix the drainage system in these areas.
To resolve the issue of water and meter leaks, the Mayor assured that the region has assigned two teams per ward to assist with the reduction of the backlogs.
The Mayor explained that approximately 8 000 people in Ekangala and Rethabiseng who are in need of housing opportunities and registered are currently undergoing a beneficiary verification process.
“There are about 400 vacant serviced stands in Ekangala (Camel Park) which only need a new layout plan, roads and electricity infrastructure so that they can be allocated,” he said.
According to the Mayor, there are currently 22 informal settlements with approximately 4 750 households provided with rudimentary services. Farm workers and dwellers are also provided with water and waste collection services.
The mayor also gave an update on the development of the River Walk township project, which will establish four townships for residential, recreational and business activity. He also assured that the delayed Ekangala Mall development will be up and running again.
