Intergovernmental task team to survey Hebron

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Pretoria - An intergovernmental team tasked with finding solutions to the development needs of the Kgabalatsane community near Hebron, north of Pretoria, will visit the area today.

The visit of the task team is a sequel to Premier Thandi Modise’s commitment made when she addressed rioting residents on Monday afternoon.

Residents claimed that the area lacked water and electricity, and that the chief in the village was trying to evict them without reason.

On Monday, the residents raised their discontent by blockading the roads in the area as until the premier intervened.

The team is made up of Departments of the Office of the Premier, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Public Works, Roads and Transport, Education, Rural Development and Land Reform and Madibeng Local Municipality.

During their interaction with the community, Modise had also made an undertaking that investigations will be conducted on the abandoned mini-sports ground development, swimming pool and non-functional high mast lights projects which were undertaken by Madibeng Local Municipality.

The Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport would also assess and identify internal access roads that should be graded and re-gravelled as a short term intervention.

Premier Modise reported that a handover of the site to the contractor, which was awarded the access bridge project, will be in the next few weeks.

An assessment will also be done by the relevant provincial departments to determine the level of service and the staff requirement for the effective functioning of the clinic in the area.

“Exercise your right to protest within the confines of the law, without destroying private and public property so that your service delivery needs are not misrepresented by violence,” Modise said.  

Modise reminded the protestors that the councillor, against whom they had raised numerous complaints, was elected through a political process led by her political party.

“Complaints against her therefore should be directed to her political party and the Speaker of Council who should ensure adherence to the code of conduct for councillors,” Modise said.

The community also agreed that the cleanliness of the newly built police station would be regularly monitored by the Provincial Human Settlement - Public Safety and Liaison Department. - SAnews.gov.za