Jam-packed with goodies
George Mayor Melvin Naik raised critical issues in his address to Council on Tuesday. In his comprehensive overview of the different departments, the following matters were mentioned:
University for the Southern Cape
Naik has a vision of a university in our midst to ensure that matriculated youngsters don't leave George to go and study elsewhere in the country. "As you are aware, Council has previously approved an item for ennoblement of a piece of land with the intention to establish a university for the Southern Cape," said
Naik. The intended university will serve the country and be located in George, with access for communities in the
Garden Route and Central
Karoo District Municipalities across
62 185km2, where no such fully-fledged institution exists.
The premises at the old crocodile farm has been cleaned and the building control section is putting out a tender for upgrading of the building. "Emphasis is still to accommodate a conference and training facility, with a section for ICT and SMME training," said Naik. The small building is earmarked for a tourism information centre.
Naik followed up on a government initiative, Agri-Parks, after he received numerous enquiries from smallholder farmers. The promised Agri-Parks for districts was intended to ensure that smallholder farmers own at least 70 percent of the wealth creation opportunities created by this programme. In the light of this topic, the issue of the pig farmers whose pig sties were demolished between Europe and Delville Park was raised. DA Chief Whip Marlene Barnardt replied that administration is working on the problem and that the farmers have been given an extension until 8 January 2019.
Working under pressure
"Work in Thembalethu is often interrupted by members of the community," said Naik. Currently 160 informal structures are being electrified. "However, on 25 October, the contractor working in Frans [Zone 9] has, once again, been chased off site." Naik said although the specific incident and the reasons for it has been addressed, this and similar stoppages to the work is not just costly, but also time consuming. "Letters with a threatening undertone are hand delivered to individual staff members by members of the same communities." He said these incidents are unacceptable and impact service delivery negatively.
Blue bag tender
This tender is still in process. The cheapest tenderer withdrew. Naik said the matter has been referred to the legal section. The controversial issue regarding recycling has made the headlines this year with residents waiting for news on who will be awarded the tender. It seems that we will have to wait a little longer.
Elderly care centre
According to Naik the old day care clinic in Ward 13, Thembalethu, lends itself for a possible elderly care centre.
"This initiative has been discussed with the councillors in Ward 13," said Naik. "I have engaged MEC Albert Fritz of Social Development and
MEC Nomafrench Mbombo of the Health Department. We are now in the process of preparing a business case for the intended elderly project."