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GEORGE NEWS - In his address to Council, George Mayor Melvin Naik said more emphasis is needed on growing and maintaining the city's infrastructure. He said while it is very necessary to enable better productivity and sustainable economic growth, it also contributes to human development and poverty reduction.
Naik said the existing infrastructure has to be renewed and expanded. He calls it a "twofold approach that poses quite a challenge to our ailing resources currently".
"Strategic infrastructure investment in water provision, waste management, maintenance of roads and public transportation are crucial service delivery elements that will pave the way for economic growth," said Naik.
"We are being challenged to deliver and maintain good service to all our citizens."
Touching on economic development and growth, Naik said a stronger and more committed integrated approach is needed to address the issue, which includes businesses, government departments and NGOs joining forces, skills and capacities to ensure results.
Illegal dumping received a special mention. Naik said piles of waste, used household products being dumped by the roadside or in non-designated sites is a common sight nowadays.
He said improved cooperation and committed collective responsibility, as well as an improved law enforcement strategy, is needed to address this challenge.
Read the full Mayoral Address here
Through the opposition's eyes
In their reply, opposition parties criticised these matters, saying all residential areas are not treated equally. "The good services are not being reflected in Thembalethu," said Charlie Williams of the ANC. "Problems in George are due to a lot of red tape and officials who do not want to transform."
Virgill Gericke of the PBI said Naik's speech does not equate the practical execution on the ground. "Not enough is being done to help small businesses grow in town." He said the exorbitant cost of land is hindering economic growth.
Icosa councillor Wilbur Harris said Law Enforcement is not being utilised to its full potential. "There is no plan," he said.
Mercia Draghoender of the Good party said she is baffled that the same company has been given the tender for the security cameras in town, since the cameras don't work. She said effective crime prevention is being compromised.
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Khumbulelo Mkhondo of the AIC said law enforcement should be active 24/7. Ever since he allowed people to use a portion of his property as a thoroughfare, he struggles to sleep at night. David Willemse of the DA enjoyed the comment.
Johan du Toit of the ACDP said George's capital contribution is of the highest in the country. "This drives businesses away," he said. He expressed his concern regarding the condition of the infrastructure in George.
Adv. Gert van Niekerk of the FF Plus said no one ever appears before the municipal court for illegal dumping. He said no fines are being issued. Van Niekerk asked how the issue of housing will be addressed. "Nineteen thousand people are waiting for homes. There are erven in Pacaltsdorp that have just been lying there for 20 to 30 years."
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