BCM must get basics right
IN response to BCM executive mayor Xola Pakati’s article on human rights (DD, March 21), once again grand plans and empty words from the ANC.
While it is foolish to deny the unequal impact of apartheid on the design and demographic settlement of our cities, how can anyone be impressed by the major waxing lyrical about grand plans for future city planning when what we see around us is decay, filth and a distinct lack of safety and security.
It always amazes me how the ANC points to impressive future schemes while paying no attention to the present basics. How about cleaning up the city, providing a decent waste management facility and making our city centre safe again?
After all, this is where many folk impacted by apartheid shop and live. What human dignity is there in living amongst the rat-infested filth so often seen on the pavements of Southernwood or the weeds sprouting waist-high from the gutters of our suburban streets?
Where are freedom and security when certain areas of the city, including our beaches, have become unsafe and streets host drunken street parties. Essentially what the ANC local government continues to do is increase the cost of living for citizens under its jurisdiction while providing less and less in basic services.
As a result citizens have to contract private service providers and pay twice for the same basic services that are the local council’s responsibility. An example is BCM’s failure to maintain and run the city’s sports facilities in an efficient manner that benefits its people.
One has to wonder how noble these new development plans are? Will they provide an opportunity to create wealth for connected individuals or are they an attempt to avert the citizens’ focus from the general filth, lack of service delivery and increasing rate costs?
Presently the ANC seems to have fooled enough folk to remain in power but that may change in the not too distant future. There will be houses, security and comfort, but only in the absence of ANC rule. — Dale Wrede, via e-mail