Municipality reports back to community
Northam – Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM) officials held a public participation consultation meeting on the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in Northam, ward 8, on Thursday 12 November. The main purpose was to consult with communities on service delivery related issues.
Many residents attended and requested feedback from the TLM on complaints previously raised on service delivery.
The TLM reported as follows:
- The clearing of illegal dumping sites and maintenance of landfill sites has started.
- They are investigating the provision of WiFi.
- The sports ground is being upgraded and security improved.
- Vehicles for traffic police officers will be purchased as funds become available.
- Repairing potholes, constructing speed humps, and attending to road safety matters is being done.
- A donation of a cherry picker will assist the TLM to repair and maintain streetlights.
- Pre-paid water meters are being installed to control and conserve water.
Community members responded by raising the following issues:
- There is poor maintenance of streetlights and insufficient high mast lights.
- There is a deficit of local jobs.
- Illegal businesses and informal traders are operating in the TLM.
- There is not enough visible policing in Northam.
- Renewal of driving licenses is not being done timeously and efficiently.
- Additional housing stands are needed.
- A local transport forum should be initiated.
The TLM responded by agreeing to clear illegal businesses and informal traders. Furthermore, the TLM prioritised appointing a satellite manager for Northam to address service delivery issues. TLM said that cable damaged by a contractor had slowed down the pace of repairing streetlights, but these would be fixed.
TLM mayor councillor John Michael Fischer assured the participants that the municipality is working around the clock to address the identified service delivery concerns.
“The mines are assisting the TLM where possible. We are engaging with the mines so that they can help us in a number of projects such as the Northam Wastewater Treatment Works.” He also urged residents to report any ill treatment by municipal officials so that managers can quickly attend to any complaints.