Community meeting held in Ward 4
Story: Samkelo Fetile | Photo: Samkelo Fetile
A significant community meeting took place in the Eureka Primary School hall, gathering local residents and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and upcoming projects. The meeting was opened with a prayer and salutations, setting a respectful tone for the discussions that followed.
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) introduced a paving project last year, promising to pave 10 km of roads in Burgersdorp. For Ward 4, a 3.3 km stretch will be paved. A Project Steering Committee (PSC) and a Project Liaising Officer (PLO) have been appointed to oversee the project. SANRAL plans to establish a 12-month Skills Development program to equip local youth with valuable skills. Afterward, 80 individuals will be recruited for the project.
Residents inquired about the specific start and end points of the 3.3 km road paving and expressed concerns about employment opportunities for individuals over 35, as unemployment remains a critical issue.
Ward profiling and ward database
The councillor emphasized the need for comprehensive data collection to address issues like unemployment, child-headed households, old-age homes, and beneficiaries of municipal services. The councillor encouraged residents to register for the ward database to facilitate accurate information gathering for future planning and support. Cllr Vusumzi Busakwe stated, "For us to effectively address the needs of our community, we need to have detailed and accurate information. I urge everyone to participate in the ward profiling and database registration."
Housing rectification project
Addressing issues of water shortages and infrastructure deficits, the councillor discussed the ongoing Housing Rectification Project. Human Settlement has been approached, and residents were urged to submit relevant documentation for this funded project. Only homeowners, or their spouses with proper authorisation, can apply. Residents were reminded to provide valid ID documents and proof of ownership to avoid delays.
Residents asked about plans for new RDP houses and timelines for their distribution. Concerns were raised about land availability for those wishing to build homes and the municipality's role in assisting them. Queries about the persistent water shortage affecting a thousand homes were addressed. The fairness of land allocation procedures in Thembisa (Dubai) was questioned, highlighting long-standing issues with the waiting list for housing. The need for housing solutions for destitute individuals, including bungalows, was discussed.
A recruitment drive for various positions at Transnet was announced. Positions include two Flagmen, two Senior Drivers (Code 10 and Code 14 required), 40 General Workers (Grade 9 and six months experience required), and one Disc Cutter Operator. The advertisement for these positions was sent out on the day of the meeting, with a commitment to a fair recruitment process. The closing date for applications is set for 6 August 2024.
The meeting concluded with an assurance from the councillor that all concerns and questions raised would be addressed in future communications. The active participation and engagement of the community members highlighted the collaborative spirit of Ward 4 in tackling local challenges and working towards sustainable development
