The FF Plus filed, on behalf of Emalahleni (Witbank) residents, a grievance about the serious deterioration of the public parks in extension eight and sixteen with the commander of the local police station, Brig. Moses Bolton, and with Mpumalanga's MEC for Community Safety, Mr Vusi Shongwe.
In the grievance, residents voice their objection to the deterioration of these parks as well as various offences, such as public promiscuity, alcohol abuse, urination in public, littering and noise pollution, affecting them, particularly at the weekends.
Thus far, the many complaints that residents have lodged with the local police have fallen on deaf ears.
The unacceptable conduct occurring in these parks is in violation of the by-laws pertaining to public places of the Emalahleni Local Municipality (Kriel, Ogies, Phola, eMalahleni/Witbank).
It determines that the use of public spaces by any person may not have a detrimental effect on the health or wellbeing of any other person and may not deny them their right to enjoy the use of their own property.
At the moment, people are consuming alcohol in public and playing deafening music disrupting residents' peace and quiet.
The parks are left with rubbish lying around and residents are compelled to clean up themselves due to the Municipality's inability to provide basic services, such as garbage removal.
The FF Plus will monitor the situation and will continually pay oversight visits to these parks to ensure that residents' complaints are heard and acted on and that their rights are protected.
On 1 November, residents will have the opportunity to stand up and stand with the FF Plus to send a strong message: The decline of the Emalahleni Municipality will not be tolerated.
The incompetent ANC must be replaced by a competent and responsible municipal management that will act in the best interests of all residents.
Contact details: 084 652 9164 / 082 887 5403
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