GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - On 26 March 2021, the Graaff-Reinet Action Committee delivered a memorandum of demands to the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality (DBNLM). The memorandum was received and signed by the Chief Whip, Angeline Booysen, on behalf of the Mayor, Deon de Vos.

Sias Smith, convener of the Graaff-Reinet Action Committee, stated that the Mayor has been given seven days to respond to the memorandum, failing which, legal proceedings will be instituted against the DBNLM.

It has since been confirmed by Sias Smith that they have received an e-mail from the Mayor requesting an extension on the seven days. The extension was granted by the Graaff-Reinet Action Committee and the Mayor was expected to respond before yesterday, 14 April.

On Monday, 12 April, the Service Delivery Movement, representing community members from Graaff-Reinet, Nieu Bethesda, Aberdeen, Jansenville, Klipplaat, Steytlerville, Willowmore and Rietbron, served the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality with a letter in terms of which they demand the development of a Waste Management Plan. 

They highlighted issues around the availability of rubbish bins, refuse removal, the management of dumping- and landfill sites as well as the general upkeep of public spaces such as streets and cemeteries.

The health risks relating to livestock farming in residential areas was also raised as a matter of concern. The Service Delivery Movement has given the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality 14 days to respond to their letter, failing which they will escalate the matter to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

In the meantime, Ward 2 Counsellor, Ricardo Smith, has taken it upon himself to initiate a process of cleaning illegal dumping sites in the Graaff-Reinet Horseshoe area that have been reported to the DBNLM but left unattended.

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