PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The New Horizons Concerned Residents Forum has penned a heartfelt letter to the Bitou Municipality, urging it not to lose sight of its communities' suffering under economic strain.
"Today, we as the New Horizons Concerned Residents Forum, would like to take this opportunity to express our concerns and unhappiness over the latest happenings in our local municipality - allegations over tender kickbacks and fraud charges," wrote forum secretary Brendall West.
He was referring to recent allegations of bribery concerning major contracts and fraud and corruption charges faced by some of the municipality's top brass.
"We write you this letter at a time when the coronavirus continues to rise and be a real disruptive issue. Also, these times bring enormous challenges - challenges we do understand. We feel that our local government officials and politicians are not committed to promoting access to small-scale economic opportunities for poor communities such as New Horizons. As the government of the day [ANC/AUF/DA], you must do what you can to help tackle the scourge of unemployment, poverty and inequality in your rural and poor communities.
"This is not evident as we look at how the government of the day politicise the rotation of EPWP positions. The programme is there to reduce unemployment in all wards under the Bitou Municipality, not only in certain wards."
Integrated Development Plan
Of further concern to the residents is the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in Ward 4, under which New Horizons falls. They believe the aim of policies such as the IDP was to achieve development goals in municipal areas in an effective and sustainable manner.
"New Horizons has no clear evidence of such planning as the community has been lobbying on items to achieve such goals since 2011. Planning around the mentioned items through the municipal public participation process, either by meeting or by sending in writing, is merely a process to show on paper. And then when communities express their feelings they are the ones who are wrong," West added.
He said that an example of this was the request to move outside toilets in some areas closer to homes, especially for elderly residents. "This request has been identified but no action [has been taken]. Hence we say leaders are not living up to the municipal council vision."
Economic development
Another point of contention for residents is economic development in Ward 4. "This will allow and encourage local people to work together to achieve sustainable economic development and growth, thereby bringing economic benefits and improved quality of life for all residents in a local municipal area. New Horizons Ward 4 has been lobbying many a time now for the economic re-vitalisation of the area. The New Horizons taxi rank doesn't offer residents or formal traders any chance of sustainable economic development.
"The taxi rank can offer various job creation [opportunities] and growth once fully developed to its potential as it is at the centre of the community. Applications have been submitted many a time. Please note, we are in the final year of yet another IDP term: 2017 - 2022. As concerned residents we request that you please implement items requested from the community."
The Bitou Municipality did not respond to questions concerning the statement by the time of going to print.
'We bring you the latest Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route news'
