KNYSNA NEWS – Upon receiving a letter from the community, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Makhotso Sotyu, visited the Buffelsnek community on Friday 9 June as 'a show of the government's commitment to addressing community concerns'.
The letter emphasised a number of urgent challenges that the community believed are crucial to tackle, such as the need for job development in the forestry sector, water and sewerage issues, and the establishment of sustainable natural resource initiatives.
The minister and her team listened to the community's worries in person during her visit.
The minister was accompanied by Knysna Mayor Ndoda Aubrey Tsengwa, Deputy Mayor Alberto Marbi, Member of Parliament Lulama Vimbi, Ward 4 Councillor Pindile Petros and councillors Thando Matika, Neil Louw, and Mboneli Khumelwana (Ward 7).
The deputy minister's visit was eagerly anticipated by the residents of Buffelsnek as the community has an extensive list of longstanding issues that have needed to be addressed for quite some time.
Deputy Minister Sotyu acknowledged the difficulties encountered not just by Buffelsnek but also by other forestry settlements located throughout municipal districts nationwide during the tour.
The community of Buffelsnek gathered together to voice their concerns. Deputy Minister Sotyu's visit was spurred by a letter from the community about the issues faced on a daily basisPictures: Nwabisa Pondoyi.
She underlined the value of cooperation while pointing out that her department had previously held conversations with several government agencies to look at possible solutions as a group.
The minister stated that she will make the development of both temporary and permanent jobs in the forestry sector a top priority.
Through enrolment in the Expanded Public Works Programme, she announced intentions for the resumption of forestry operations at the Buffelsnek plantation.
Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa accompanied Deputy Minister Sotyu on the Buffelsnek site visitPictures: Nwabisa Pondoyi.
Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa assisting Deputy Minister of Foresty, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu.
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