Whilst the engagements and negotiations are taking place to resolve service delivery issues in Bekkersdal, all violence and damage to property must stop with immediate effect, said representatives from the Office of Human Settlements MEC Ntombi Mekgwe who met the local leadership of Bekkersdal residents today.
“We had robust and constructive engagements with the leadership of the community. We also noted their concerns and challenges which we will take to the MEC. However we remain opposed to any acts of violence. People have the right to protest, our concern is violent protests”, said Mlungisi Mvulane, Chief of Staff in the office of MEC Mekgwe.
Mvulane further said that what was encouraging is that both parties emphasised the need to meet regularly and to find amicable solutions through dialogue.
Both the Human Settlements and Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs Departments in Gauteng were given an opportunity to present the progress and plans for Bekkersdal. It was reported that an Aquajet machine was to be purchased to help with cleaning the VIP toilets in the area. Also it was announced that some of the residents in the informal settlements will be relocated to finished RDP houses in the Westonaria Borwa mixed housing developments by end of the year.
Meanwhile, the leadership representing Bekkersdal residents insisted on putting the local municipality under administration. In response, the Office of the MEC advised that such a move must follow dictates of Section 139 of the RSA Constitution, and that the MEC must oversee this process if it were to be considered.
The meeting today has since agreed that a meeting with the MEC must be called to discuss this matter further. The situation in Bekkersdal remains tense, but a police contingent is monitoring the area.
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Motsamai Motlhaolwa
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