By Motshabi Hoaeane
On June 19, the City of Ekurhuleni’s Executive Council held its second round of the Mayoral Imbizo, at Vosloorus Civic Centre.The forum was chaired by MMC of Community in Ekurhuleni Safety Sizakele Masuku, and, its panel included MMC for Human Settlements Kgopelo Holo, MMC of Waste Management Leshaka Manamela, MMC of Road and Transportation Andile Mngwevu, and, MMC for Energy Mzayifani Ngwenya.
MMC Sizakele Masuku ushered in discussions and welcomed all residents and representatives, including the head of departments of the various councillors that were available for the Imbizo talks, including ward Councillors in Vosloorus.
Addressing the large crowd that filled the Vosloorus Civic Centre Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Nxosindiphie Xhakaza, noted that the instability in council was something that has somewhat hampered the effectiveness of service delivery in Ekurhuleni. Xhakaza noted that instability in the council from 2021- almost four years in office, had a negative spillover on service delivery issues.
He said “for the residents of the city there is now stability in council, and when there is stability service delivery it means more accountability”. “These imbizo are part of a plan from the Mayor and his executive to say we must be reachable to our people, to not just have Imbizo but also service delivery outreach, to make sure issues are being attended to.”
Among the key pillars of the programme of action – issues highlighted by Executive Mayor Xhakaza, were provision of quality and sustainable services especially relating to water and electricity, including in places such as informal settlements. Adding that where there are difficulties of load shedding or water supply communication should be consistent and clear, saying the people’s voice must be carried forward, and, that with housing development – people and must benefit on time. The development Inland port in ward 62 , as well as Metropolice precinct was expected to create more jobs in the city of Ekurhuleni, he said.
Mayor Xhakaza said that the speed at which potholes are closed, grass is cut and issues resolved in the community is assisted by residents paying for their rates – as the municipality’s revenue sustainability was made possible by this. He added that continued conversations between residents and leaders will help bridge the gap in turnaround in key areas of need in the community of Vosloorus.
MMC of Road and Transportation Andile Mngwevu conceded that “It’s important that the municipality of Ekurhuleni, outside of IDP sittings, be addressed – to keep the conversation going so that issues don’t get forgotten.”
MMC Mngwevu highlighted various campaign such as “Sivala Ama-potholes, Buya Mthetho, Khanyisa Mhlali, Siyakhokha Siyathuthuka and clean your kasi campaigns as some of the ongoing initiatives that municipality needed the collaboration of its citizens to ensure that they are effective. Debt and rehabilitation scheme for business owners and homeowners were also highlighted by MMC Mngwevu as he encouraged resident to come and settle outstanding debt, to ensure they activate benefits such as the indigent benefit among others.
During the question and answers section of the Imbizo – many pressing issues came to the fore from residents, such as the increasing need of clinics in areas like Mailula, the neglect of Vosloorus stadium and its broken palisades, and uncut grass, requests for railroad and train in Vosloorus, the longstanding issues of Somalia Park informal settlement and uncertainty over its land resolution with owners, as well the illegal occupation of RDP houses.
The discussions will remain beyond the imbizo and residents of Vosloorus are encouraged to be vocal, but also take the right recourse with their councillors to have their issues addressed.
