NRPA, meeting for change

Northam – The Northam Ratepayers Association (NRPA) held a meeting on 10 December with the technical director of Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM), Victor Makona in Northam Toyota’s boardroom regarding the challenges faced daily by community members in Northam. 

Management from Thabazimbi Ratepayers Association (TRPA) Tokkie Swanepoel and Frik Erasmus attended the meeting.

David Gouveia, chairperson of NRPA, wanted answers regarding members of the public illegally dumping and burning their waste, ‘the four-way stop’ challenge, illegal hawkers and stalls and most pressing - the water situation in Northam.

Councillor Victor Makona noted: “We have to implement fines and warnings, especially to businesses who are illegally dumping in Northam and setting their rubbish alight.

We also have to issue a warning letter to illegal shacks and hawkers and give them seven days to remove their illegal business or it would be demolished. Councillor Oscar Selamolela, who is responsible for waste management in Northam, should instruct his teams accordingly to manage and follow up these warnings.

The water situation remains a very delicate issue. However, we will deal with it accordingly.”

David added: “From the NRPA, we are doing our level best to restore Northam to its former glory. With the best interest of Northam at heart, I would like to plead with our community members to please assist where possible – even if it means to pick up a piece of paper or cleaning up around your property.

Use water sparingly and remember that there are others who don’t have water at all. Our town is in a desperate situation and it’s up to us to change our mindsets and actions to change our town for the better. On behalf of the NRPA, I would like to wish you all a joyous festive season.”