GEORGE NEWS - Mayor Leon van Wyk was recently met by Ward Councillor Ntombi James and members of the ward committee in Thembalethu Ward 21 to see how far the work had progressed with the new palisade fencing that is being put up to enclose Thembalethu Cemetery.
About 500m of 1,4m high palisade fencing has been erected so far. This project is anticipated to be completed by mid-November.
The sides of the cemetery will not be fenced at this stage as it is surrounded by houses. Steel gates will be installed at the front and back of the cemetery.
Van Wyk said this is an area in the community that should be, and deserves to be respected. "It is only fitting that the area is secured," he said.
While engaging with the councillor and ward committee, the mayor was asked to ensure that the graveyard is cleaned regularly and maintained. Community services official Hilton Spies confirmed that his team is on a schedule to attend to these duties and will be working every Saturday in October to handle the backlog of the cleaning of cemeteries.
"We need our residents to be involved in what we do in council," said Van Wyk. "Public participation, such as this engagement with this ward committee, is needed so all of your questions and queries receive the necessary attention and answers. I am glad that we can at least do something, even if it is just starting with the front section for now, but we need to improve all these facilities for everyone."
Van Wyk said it is important that ward committees must look out for their own areas and the services they need, and to prioritise projects. This way, it is easier for the municipality to make decisions when budgets are considered and funds need to be allocated.
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