​Concerns about food safety in spaza shops dominated discussions at the recently held Community-Based Planning (CBP) meeting held in Rabie Ridge Community Hall. Residents voiced frustrations about the quality and hygiene of products sold in these small convenience stores, placing pressure on the City to improve monitoring and enforcement.

Amid heated exchanges, Charles Jones from Ward 80 in Rabie Ridge raised additional concerns. “We need to do more than just talk about food safety. The youth in our community are struggling with unemployment, and drugs are everywhere on our streets. It is hard for young people to see a future when their surroundings are like this.”

His words struck a chord with attendees, who acknowledged that social issues like drug abuse and joblessness are deeply linked to community development challenges.

Adding to the list of frustrations, Moses Maluleke of Ward 92 expressed his dissatisfaction with the City’s handling of priorities identified in the last Integrated Development Plan (IDP). “We told the City what was important to us, but it feels like our voices were ignored.”

Maluleke urged the City to redirect the budget for the recreational center to road expansions, citing the need for better infrastructure in the ward. “I propose that the streets leading to the taxi rank and the ZCC in Ward 92, be widened and the budget which is allocated for the Recreational Centre be redirected to this project,” he added.

Cllr Mpholokosho, who facilitated the commission, acknowledged the residents’ concerns. “We hear your frustrations. Some of the major projects that are missing from the current CBP are not reflected because budget allocations are still pending. Once funds are confirmed, these projects can be added to the plans.”

The meeting ended with residents urging the City to align its projects with community needs and to act on pressing social issues. It was agreed that future engagements would aim to ensure that the voices of residents are reflected in planning and implementation.

The discussions underscored the complexity of balancing infrastructure development, public health, and social challenges — highlighting the need for closer collaboration between the City, residents, and other stakeholders.

Written by Luyanda Lunika
21/10/2024

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