GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — An Intergovernmental Relations meeting (IGR) was recently held in Graaff-Reinet, and various matters of importance to the community were discussed by those present.
Information conveyed included:
• The first Local Economic Development (LED) Forum meeting will be held on January 17. This will be a valuable forum for local businesses to raise any concerns they may have. The Mayor has emphasised that all departments are required to participate in this forum, where a new strategic plan for the amalgamated municipality will need to be discussed. This forum will be led by the mayor, Cllr Deon de Vos, and it was suggested that a LED committee ia formed in council.
• It was stated clearly that the municipality intends to cut services to non-paying departments, which led to a question being raised about whether the supply of electricity to homes and businesses will be cut due to a large amount of money owing to Eskom.
• The War Room concept, driven by the Office of the Premier, was launched in the Dr Beyers Naude Municipality a few months ago to deal directly with issues raised at ward level.
This does not seem to have been successful at this stage, and is apparently currently not functional due to non-participation by various departments.
• It was noted that the Department of Social Development will be open over the festive season for trauma counseling.
• Regarding crime, major concerns were raised about several issues by SAPS.
Taxi violence often flares up over the festive season, and during the peak holiday travel times.
The hawkers in front of Shoprite are still causing problems of congestion, and criminals appear to be operating amongst the genuine traders.
Car guards also continue to plague and harass motorists, and are often drunk.
• The Traffic Department plans for its members to be active and visible during the coming long weekend particularly.
• Still, on the theme of travel, SANParks requested that the municipality should focus on cleanliness, and in this regards busses and taxi drivers should be approached and educated about the problems of litter.
• SASSA is in the process of checking all of their beneficiaries and will be suspending grants if the recipients have not adhered to the rules.
They will provide support to children for school uniforms and assist with feeding malnourished children.
Many were astounded to hear that R28m is paid in social grants monthly, and an urgent request was made for assistance in educating people how to manage their grants.
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