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Merino Mall officially announced 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 July 2021 Merino Mall is set to enhance the current retail offering in Ermelo and will bring convenience, value and pride to the town’s visitors, residents, and its surrounding communities. The greater Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga can finally look forward to the highly anticipated new shopping centre, Merino Mall, coming to fruition after 7 years of planning. Property developers Moolman Group and Abland are joining forces to construct this 28 000m² fully enclosed small regional shopping centre. It will be the only shopping centre of this stature to exist within a 100 km radius, making it a tremendous addition to the Ermelo community and surrounds. The developers are partnering with MDS Architecture, who have delivered remarkable shopping centres such as Rustenburg Mall, Middelburg Mall, Ferndale on Republic, and Sam Ntuli Mall. Bulk earth works for Merino Mall will commence on1 July 2021, and the mall is set to open to the public in October 2022. The development will positively impact the local economy and stimulate further growth and development, as well as enhancing and supporting the town’s current infrastructure. Developers will make use of the local workforce during the construction phases. Furthermore, it will create long-term job opportunities for residents and businesses alike. The mall’s name is derived from the Merino sheep breed, paying tribute to the site’s history. The mall will be built on what is fondly remembered as the Ermelo Showgrounds. It is situated on the corners of the N2 and N11 freeways, near the N17 and within walking distance from the bustling Ermelo CBD. Prospective tenants have showed immense excitement and support in the project and familiar favourites are already on board as anchor tenants. They include Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem. Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem being especially exciting new additions in the area. The mall will also bring stores like Crazy Plastics, Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki, Cross Trainer, Queenspark, Primark and Refinery to the Ermelo community for the first time. With a total of 90 stores in the mall, the tenant mix will be further cemented by a strong fashion node, banking facilities, food outlets, and other exciting stores and service offerings. The likes of Truworths, Identity, Mr Price, Jet, Ackermans, Foschini, Sportscene, Totalsports, Mr Price Sport, PEP, Exact, Markham, Miladys, Tekkie Town, Studio 88,The Fix, Sheet Street, Crazy Store, Mr Price Home, Pep Home, @home, and a host of others will join the Merino Mall family. Banks will include Nedbank, Capitec and FNB. Merino Mall is set to enhance the current retail offering in Ermelo and will bring convenience, value and pride to the town’s visitors, residents, and its surrounding communities. < Previous Article Next Article >

Complaints included the crime rate in Sun City, as well as alleged service delivery issues. Fed up residents demand change Sun City residents during their peacful demonstration of dissatisfaction. Sun City residents during their peacful demonstration of dissatisfaction. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 Complaints included the crime rate in Sun City, as well as alleged service delivery issues. Irate residents from Sun City Extension 33 displayed their dismay at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court yesterday, citing that they’re awaiting documents from the court. Complaints included the crime rate in Sun City, as well as alleged service delivery issues. Although the protestors were determined ti be noticed, the demonstration was peaceful and organized. < Previous Article Next Article >

Boots on the ground in DALRRD farm corruption saga 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Explanations requested from Minister Thoko Didiza, one month ago, yielded no response. Enquiries sent by the Tribune ePaper to the DALRRD have been acknowledged, but no response had been received from the Department. Amidst a flurry of confusion and flying allegations of corruption and nepotism, harrowing tales have emerged from the affected farmers. Thabani Nxumalo of Klipplaatdrift farm stated that he had a three-year lease agreement on the Ultkyk farm from 2013. In 2019, he had to move to Klipplaatdrift farm because his farming operation was too big for Ultkyk farm. In 2020, he received an eviction order from the Department, despite making an undertaking to resign from his current job to meet the requirements for renewing the lease. The Department has since advertised the farm for new potential lessees to come and view the farm. John Mabasa of Goedehoop farm said that his family had been farming on their family land for over two centuries. When he submitted a land claim in 1998 to formalize his family’s land holdings, the Department claimed that they had no records of the claim. In 2013, after a Public Protector finding instructed the Department to allocate him a farm, he was given caretakership on a portion of land. The award came with the condition that he should farm as part of a co-op. When he refused to pay R25 000 to ensure that a proposed business plan was approved by the Department, his land was advertised for occupation for interested new leases. Swazi Motha of Rietspruit farm is part of a group of three farmers who, in 2013, were granted a lease to a farm. In 2019, when asked to apply for financial assistance, they were told to “pay something” to facilitate the signing of the contract. They refused to pay the bribe, and received a letter of termination in 2019. Mr. Nxumalo of Tweefontein farm started farming in 2009 after signing a three-year lease agreement. In 2018/2019, he signed a 30-year lease agreement, for which the Department did not give him a copy. He was given a strategic partner to work with for 5 years. Without notice, he was told that his lease agreement will not be renewed. Ms Nconwane of Steenwyk farm has been farming since 2016. In 2017, she drew up a business plan to access farmer support funding. Her application for financial support has not been granted. Instead, officials have told her that “everything she does is wrong”. Despite her efforts, she has never been given a lease agreement. Isaac Buthelezi of Dorpsplaas/Drinkwater farm had a three-year lease agreement since 2009, with an offer to purchase. When the lease lapsed, he renewed it again until 2017. Strangely, this time the Department removed the offer to purchase. After 2017, the Department refused to renew the lease completely. The Department sent notice of eviction in 2019 through WhatsApp. Sibusiso Parinengatua of Tarbert farm received a three-year lease in 2011, which was renewed for 5 years in 2014. He received an eviction letter in 2017, with the claim that he is behind on lease payments, and he must vacate the land. He left the farm in 2019 when his lease expired, and after he was told that his lease will not be renewed. To his knowledge, the farm is still vacant. Sisonke Farmers Group, represented by Isaac Muvhali of Tweefontein farm in Dipaliseng received a lease in 2009, which was renewed for 5 years in 2012. In 2019, they saw an advertisement stating that the farm was advertised for state lease. No one had informed them of this. They were asked to pay a bribe of R250 000 if they wanted the lease renewed, to which they refused. The Democratic Alliance (DA) already has boots on the ground with the affected farmers threatened by illegal eviction orders from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). Explanations requested from Minister Thoko Didiza, one month ago, yielded no response. Enquiries sent by the Tribune ePaper to the DALRRD have been acknowledged, but no response had been received from the Department. < Previous Article Next Article >

Pienkbal Gholfdag vier 27ste bestaansjaar Ds. Boshoff saam met Deo Botha, Anton, Hanru en Ruan Kraft wat in die vierde plek geëindig het met 36 punte. Die wenners van die Pienkbal Gholfdag staan (v.l.n.r.): Niel Matheson, Hermie Kleyn, saam met Ds. Boshoff , PJ Labuschagne en Org Janse van Rensburg. Ds. Boshoff saam met Deo Botha, Anton, Hanru en Ruan Kraft wat in die vierde plek geëindig het met 36 punte. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 24 November 2020 Die organiseerders van die dag wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om al hul borge te bedank, vir die dag asook vir die spelers wat die dag saam met hulle geniet het. Die Hervormde Kerk Suid-gemeente het op Saterdag, 21 November, weer hul jaarlikse Pienkbal Gholfdag aangebied. Dit is die 27ste jaar wat die gesogte Pienkbal Gholfdag aangebied is. Die spelers het die dag vreeslik geniet, en ten spyte van die koue en die misreën, het die spelers die balle steeds ore aangesit. Daar was ‘n aantal van 130 spelers wat deelgeneem het aan die dag. Pryse vir naaste aan die pen is P. Steyn (putjie 6), A. Oosthuizen (putjie14). Wenners van die IPS Kompetisie was C. Jacobs (derde), L. Du Preez (tweede) en D. Botha (eerste). Die top drie pienkbalspanne na afloop van die dag se spel was A. Oosthuizen en haar span (derde), C. Jacobs en sy span het met die tweede plek weggestap, terwyl Niel Matheson, Hermie Kleyn, PJ Labuschagne en Org Janse van Rensburg as wenners van die baan gestap het. Die organiseerders van die dag wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om al hul borge te bedank, vir die dag asook vir die spelers wat die dag saam met hulle geniet het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Klagtes gerig aan Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit val doodluiters op dowe ore. Hiert! 'n Vrot kol in Camden Laan 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2022 Klagtes gerig aan Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit val doodluiters op dowe ore. Verskeie klagtes vanaf inwoners in Camden Laan is opgemerk, rakende die haglike toestand van die pad waar rou riool al vir etlike maande opdam. Volgens nabye inwoners, het konstruksievoertuie na bewering die rioolstelsel to erg beskadig dat die kant van die pad inmekaar gesak het, en die middel gedeelte totaal en al vertap is. Volgens bewering is die asbespyp in die area totaal en al verbrokkel, en sodoende borrel rou riool al vir maande vanuit die oppervlak van die verbruiselde pad, sowel as die omliggende sypaadjies. Klagtes gerig aan Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit val doodluiters op dowe ore. Die gesondheidsgevaar wat hierdie dam rou riool inhou is geen grap nie, en motoriste moet daagliks die walglike modderspul aandurf om by hul huise te kom. Voetgangers se enigste keuse is om deur die elle lange gras van die nabye veldjie te loop, of om ‘n ander roete te vind. < Previous Article Next Article >

Little fighter celebrates birthday in hospital 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 14 September 2021 The prayer and update group created for Daniel on Facebook was abuzz with birthday- and well wishes for the little soldier, who has thus far persevered and kept a light spirit, despite his injuries. The news of Daniel Kerswell, now 2 years old, spread like wildfire through the community of Ermelo, and the nation as a whole. In a utter freak accident, Daniel was accidentally hit by his father’s SUV on Sunday, 5 September, after he presumably ran out to say goodbye to his father. Unbeknownst to Paul, Daniel’s father, the toddler was behind the SUV, and was subsequently knocked down. Daniel is currently being treated in Steve Biko for medical treatment for a broken collarbone and hip bone, and one of his lungs also collapsed. Initial brain scans indicated no cranial injury. The past week has, however, been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for the family, as well as those following the updates regarding Daniel’s wellbeing. While he had a setback during the week when they attempted to wean him off the ventilator, the little one bounced back resiliently and is in stable condition. Danelle, the toddler’s mother, told the Tribune ePaper that the medical personnel has provided a positive update on his condition, and that the drainage shunt and ventilator was again scheduled to be removed yesterday, Monday, 13 September. According to an update by Danelle, the little man woke up during visiting hours on Monday, and immediately started to cry when he saw her. At time of publication, the ventilator pipes were being removed. The accident occurred a mere week before the toddler’s second birthday, which was joyously celebrated by all this past Sunday, despite the rough week. The prayer and update group created for Daniel on Facebook was abuzz with birthday- and well wishes for the little soldier, who has thus far persevered and kept a light spirit, despite his injuries. Several institutions and community members jumped in and started raising funds for the treatment and medical expenses, as the family does not have medical aid. On Friday, the Learning Nest Academy, along with a multitude of other institutions, presented a coin toss at the school in aid of Daniel’s medical expenses. If you have hosted an event or coin toss in aid of Daniel, you may call, or forward your event’s photos, accompanied by the relevant information via WhatsApp to 071 885 2505, to be included in next week’s publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

MPU tenderpreneurs ride the PPE cash cow 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 26 January 2021 “It is questionable how these items help to contain the spread of COVID-19.” According to an SUI report compiled in 2020, the purchase of surgical masks, sanitizer, food parcels and thermometers varied significantly across all government departments. Tenderpreneurs in Mpumalanga, however, are having a field day with dubious supply contracts amidst the pandemic. Department of Health has come under scrutiny after it has come to light that purchases were made for seven thousand branded umbrellas at a cost of R805 450, seven thousand branded backpacks at a cost of R1 082 725, as well as cellular tablets at Vodacom, amounting to a whopping R1 714 512. The cost of thermometers also came to light, with the majority of government departments paying R2 527 and upwards per thermometer. The Democratic Alliance (DA) will once again place sustained pressure on the Mpumalanga Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, citing her statement of 20 August last year for a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to be appointed. Ms Jane Sithole, provincial leader of the DA, demanded a progress report on COVID-19 corruption from the Premier. Ms Sithole said an investigative report into possible corruption of COVID-19 funds for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has still not come to light. “The DA submitted a letter to the office of the Premier on 25 August, detailing information contained in the Provincial Procurement Report, which showed exactly how the funds meant to contain the spread of COVID-19, became a breeding ground for corruption. The DA further asked the Premier to table the final SIU report in the Provincial Legislature.” Ms Sithole stated. “It is questionable how these items help to contain the spread of COVID-19.” she concluded. At this time, the report is still being awaited. Given the above, the DA has once again written to the Office of the Premier requesting the progress report relating to the investigation process and the outcomes. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sprankelende Tersia laat reuse leemte 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 28 September 2021 “Tersia, ons mis jou reeds, maar ons weet jy kyk af na ons met ‘n glimlag op jou gesig. Weet ons sal jou sprankelende persoonlikheid en jou glimlag altyd saam met ons dra.” Tersia Oosthuizen (56) het op Vrydag, 24 September haar engel vlerkies gekry. Sy was ‘n welbekende in die omgewing, en het altyd reg gestaan vir raad, ‘n geselsie en ‘n glasie wyn. Sy was baie geliefd in die gemeenskap, en het gelewe vir haar kinders, familie, diere en dan ook haar vriend, Flip Venter. Tersia was werksaam by De Wit Motors in Ermelo vir die afgelope dertien jaar. Tersia het in die laaste jaar vir Flip ontmoet, vir wie sy werklik baie lief was, en saam wie sy weer kon glo in liefde. Die paartjie het elke kans gebruik wat hul saam kon wees om mekaar se geselskap te kon geniet, en het altyd heerlik saam gedans. “Haar skielike afsterwe was vir ons almal ‘n groot skok, maar ons almal weet sy is nou op ‘n baie beter plek”, het haar kinders en Flip aan die Tribune gesê. Tersia se Facebook blad kan getuig hoe geliefd sy was, hoe baie mense werklik vir haar om gegee het, en in wie se lewens sy verskille gemaak het. Tersia was vreeslik lief vir haar huis en haar diere, en oor ‘n naweek sou jy altyd vir Tersia by die huis gekry het waar sy in haar tuin gewerk het en altyd gesorg het dat daar nuwe blommetjies geplant word. Sy was baie lief vir die buite lewe, en het die see vreeslik geniet. “Tersia, ons mis jou reeds, maar ons weet jy kyk af na ons met ‘n glimlag op jou gesig. Weet ons sal jou sprankelende persoonlikheid en jou glimlag altyd saam met ons dra.” Tersia word oorleef deur haar twee sussies, Lizette Joubert en Alta Lombard, haar drie kinders, Rynhard, Andrè en Liezl, en dan ook haar vriend, Flip Venter. Die familie wil net graag die gemeenskap bedank vir elke oproep, boodskap en vinnige inloer en al die ondersteuning. “Rus sag by Liewe Jesus se voete.” < Previous Article Next Article >

1 September 2020, 01h22 - An alarm was activated at a church in Thusi Village. The reaction team found that a tower on the premises had been vandalized, and all copper wire stolen. A power box belonging to the tower was recovered, and brought to ACSU office for safe keeping. The owner of the tower will be sending the repair team to tend to the damage at tower. 13h16 - A delivery driver was threatened by 3 males, one of which was armed, and told they wanted to rob him. The driver managed to get to the safety of ACSU’s client, who in turn pressed the panic button. ACSU escorted the delivery vehicle to all further deliveries, and then safely to Bethal on the N17. 2 September 2020 - 20h44 - In Wesselton Extension 7, an attempted burglary took place. The reaction team inspected premises, with the client finding that a window had been broken. Suspects were scared off by the alarm. 3 September 2020, 02h34 - A call from a client in Chris De Villiers Street stated that dogs were barking continuously. ACSU’s reaction team accompanied the client through the premises, and found that approximately 30 meters of cable had been stolen from pole in the yard. 03h20 - An attempted burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. The suspect/s were scared off by the alarm, although the burglar bars were damaged. 4 September 2020, 02h35 - An attempted burglary was reported in Lelie Avenue. The gate was opened manually, a window pane was removed and burglar bars damaged. It was found that a television set was damaged, but not stolen. Suspect left behind a torch. 07h39 - A burglary was reported in Tienie Louw Street, with suspects making off with a television and two laptops. 6 September 2020, 03h26 - A burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. Suspects made off with a laptop, television and cellular phone. 7 September 2020, 04h44 - A burglary was reported at a store selling sports equipment. One suspect was arrested, and one escaped. All the stolen items were recovered. News from ACSU’s office News from ACSU’s office 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 8 September 2020 A delivery driver was threatened by 3 males, one of which was armed, and told they wanted to rob him. The driver managed to get to the safety of ACSU’s client, who in turn pressed the panic button. ACSU escorted the delivery vehicle to all further deliveries, and then safely to Bethal on the N17. 1 September 2020, 01h22 - An alarm was activated at a church in Thusi Village. The reaction team found that a tower on the premises had been vandalized, and all copper wire stolen. A power box belonging to the tower was recovered, and brought to ACSU office for safe keeping. The owner of the tower will be sending the repair team to tend to the damage at tower. 13h16 - A delivery driver was threatened by 3 males, one of which was armed, and told they wanted to rob him. The driver managed to get to the safety of ACSU’s client, who in turn pressed the panic button. ACSU escorted the delivery vehicle to all further deliveries, and then safely to Bethal on the N17. 2 September 2020 - 20h44 - In Wesselton Extension 7, an attempted burglary took place. The reaction team inspected premises, with the client finding that a window had been broken. Suspects were scared off by the alarm. 3 September 2020, 02h34 - A call from a client in Chris De Villiers Street stated that dogs were barking continuously. ACSU’s reaction team accompanied the client through the premises, and found that approximately 30 meters of cable had been stolen from pole in the yard. 03h20 - An attempted burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. The suspect/s were scared off by the alarm, although the burglar bars were damaged. 4 September 2020, 02h35 - An attempted burglary was reported in Lelie Avenue. The gate was opened manually, a window pane was removed and burglar bars damaged. It was found that a television set was damaged, but not stolen. Suspect left behind a torch. 07h39 - A burglary was reported in Tienie Louw Street, with suspects making off with a television and two laptops. 6 September 2020, 03h26 - A burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. Suspects made off with a laptop, television and cellular phone. 7 September 2020, 04h44 - A burglary was reported at a store selling sports equipment. One suspect was arrested, and one escaped. All the stolen items were recovered. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Wednesday evening, emergency services rushed to a scene where a heavy vehicle traveling down Chris de Villiers Street, was set alight, allegedly after being thrown with a petrol bomb. Reports of residents, who were allegedly protesting in Extension 33, looting the contents of the HMV were also noted. SAPS and other services were quick on scene in an attempt to maintain order, but the damage had already been done. Firefighters battled tooth and nail to douse the smoldering wreckage of the HMV, while residents in the adjacent field cajoled and taunted their efforts. At the time of publication, no injuries have been reported. The SAPS has confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been lodged, but no arrests have been made as of yet. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. HMV torched and looted HMV torched and looted 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 The SAPS has confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been lodged, but no arrests have been made as of yet. On Wednesday evening, emergency services rushed to a scene where a heavy vehicle traveling down Chris de Villiers Street, was set alight, allegedly after being thrown with a petrol bomb. Reports of residents, who were allegedly protesting in Extension 33, looting the contents of the HMV were also noted. SAPS and other services were quick on scene in an attempt to maintain order, but the damage had already been done. Firefighters battled tooth and nail to douse the smoldering wreckage of the HMV, while residents in the adjacent field cajoled and taunted their efforts. At the time of publication, no injuries have been reported. The SAPS has confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been lodged, but no arrests have been made as of yet. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Jaun, jou stem is stil 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 29 June 2021 Die familie wil ook die gemeenskap bedank vir hulle hulp tydens Jaun se siekbed, vir al die boodskappies, oproepe, vinnige kuiers by die huis, die fondsinsameling, asook die lede wat verstellings by die huis gedoen het om alles vir Jaun te vergemaklik. Jaun Walker, (53) gebore op 8 Januarie 1968, is op Woensdag, 23 Mei 2021, in Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal skielik oorlede na 'n lang tydperk van struikel met sy gesondheid. Jaun het gematrikuleer by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie, en was daarna sy lewe lank in Ermelo werksaam in die tweedehandse voertuie sektor. Sy dogter, Jauné Walker, dra graag die volgende gedig aan hom op: “Pa, daar breek branders in my. Groter as jou hande om die stories van die Sondag koerant gevou. En daar waai 'n koue deur my. Sterker as die winde soggens op Haroldsbaai se strand. Ek mis die son en hoe trots hy op jou kon skyn, en jou hart wat afdrukke gelos het op alles waaraan hy raak. Dankie vir die voorreg om jou as gedagte te kan saamdra, en jou lewendig in my hart te kan hou. Pappa dit voel nog onwerklik. Alles herhinner my aan Pappa. 'n Liedjie, 'n reuk, 'n sê-ding. Ek mis daai gou-gou oproepe en vinnige inloer. Pappa het my alles geleer, behalwe hoe om sonder pappa te lewe. Ek weet almal sê met tyd raak dit beter, maar ek mis pappa. Pappa is vir altyd in my hart, en ek sal altyd lief wees vir pappa. Dankie vir alles wat pappa vir my gedoen het.” “Jaun, almal se harte is baie seer, maar ons weet jy is op 'n beter plek. Ons gaan jou baie mis. Rus sag by Jesus se voete, ons is jaloers. Dit is nie totsiens nie, dit is tot ons jou weer sien.” Jaun laat sy dogter, Jauné Walker, sy suster, Daleen van Rensburg en haar twee kinders, sy oorlede sussie se twee kinders, Danie en Lindie, en hulle vier kindertjies agter. Die familie wil ook die gemeenskap bedank vir hulle hulp tydens Jaun se siekbed, vir al die boodskappies, oproepe, vinnige kuiers by die huis, die fondsinsameling, asook die lede wat verstellings by die huis gedoen het om alles vir Jaun te vergemaklik. Dankie ook aan al die personeel en dokters by die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal wat so mooi na hom omgesien het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hierdie riool loop dan verby ‘n nabygeleë skool, wat eerstens onaanvaarbaar is. Tweedens eindig die riool op in die Pet Dam, wat dan veroorsaak dat die dam verslyk. Ruik soos gebrek aan dienslewering 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 25 May 2021 Hierdie riool loop dan verby ‘n nabygeleë skool, wat eerstens onaanvaarbaar is. Tweedens eindig die riool op in die Pet Dam, wat dan veroorsaak dat die dam verslyk. Die skokkende nalatigheid vanaf Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) rakende die onderhoud van die rioolsisteem in Ermelo en omliggende areas, laat talle inwoners om op te snork met rou riool, en die stank en gesondheidsrisikos wat gepaard gaan met verstopte rioolpype. Die rioolsisteem in President Fouché Laan is in so erge mate afgeskeep, dat daar op ‘n bykans weeklikse basis rou riool bruis vanuit die mangate. Hierdie area is al in die kollig vir meer as drie jaar, waar daar weekliks klagtes ingedien word, maar geen gehoor gegee word vanaf MLM nie. Geen daadwerkilike poging word aangewend vanaf MLM om die probleem op te klaar nie. Tot die bittere frustrasie van inwoners oorkant dié gemors, pleit MLM, sowel as wyksraadslede, bewusteloos, met die relevante departement van MLM wat die rioolpype halfhartig ontblok, in plaas van om direkte aksie te neem en die groter probleem van die infrastruktuur op te los. Inwoners moet maar net tevrede wees met die flou verskoning dat hulle die konstante probleme blameer op die feit dat daar onregmatig gebou en verleng word by baie wonings, sonder die goedkeuring van ‘n bouinspekteur of dorpsbeplanner. Ander verskonings sluit in ‘n gebrek aan finansies, gebrek aan gereedskap en masjienerie, en ‘n reeks ander belaglike bogstories. MLM het in die verlede ook aangedui dat uitbreiding van die aantal inwoners die reeds bouvallige rioolsisteem uiteraard oorlaai. Inwoners van dié area laat egter nie weer toe dat MLM heuning om hul monde smeer nie, en beplan om protes aan te teken teenoor die beplande meenthuis kompleks in die area. “Ek weet nie onder wat se klip hierdie munisipaliteit se stadsbeplanner uitgekruip het nie. Ek weet nie eers of daar ‘n gekwalifiseerde beplanner is wat weet wat hy doen nie. Ek is nie geniaal nie, maar logika sê vir my dat daar geen manier is dat hulle net planne vir komplekse kan goedkeur, terwyl hul duidelik weet dat die infrastruktuur klaar vrot is nie.” Dié is die woorde van ‘n inwoner in die area, wat anoniem wil bly. “Hulle bou en bou en bou net, waar gaan dit eindig? Soos dit is sit ons bykans elke dag sonder elektrisiteit, en nou wil hulle nog ‘n spul komplekse bou. Hulle sê dat die 88kVA lyn “oorlaai” is, en dat dit die rede is dat ons in die donker sit en vingers tel. Maar tog keur hulle links en regs nuwe ontwikkelinge goed sonder om te aarsel. Soos dit is loop die stront die strate vol voor my huis, ek kan nie my deure of vensters oppmaak sonder om te versmag in die stank nie. My kinders kan nie buite speel nie want dit is uiters gevaarlik, veral tydens die COVID pandemie wat ons in is. Die munisipaliteit preek oor higiëne en wat nog alles, maar hulle kan nie eers basiese dienste verskaf nie. Waar is ons raadslid? Wie is ons raadslid? Geen mens weet nie. Ek het telkens die gesondheidsinspekteur in die hande probeer kry, maar loop in mure vas by die munisipaliteit. Hulle is van geen hulp nie. Skandelik, dit is die woord. Skandelik.” Na aanleiding van die vorige verklaring wat deur MLM uitgereik was, is die toekoms donker vir inwoners van die area, omrede daar na bewering geen finansies in die MLM koffers is nie. Die toestand in President Fouché Laan is al van so aard dat daar slote gegrou is langs die mangate waar die rou riool uitborrel, en dié vloei dan vrylik na die middel van die veld toe. Hierdie riool loop dan verby ‘n nabygeleë skool, wat eerstens onaanvaarbaar is. Tweedens eindig die riool op in die Pet Dam, wat dan veroorsaak dat die dam verslyk. Die Tribune het met MLM se woordvoerder, Mandla Zwane, gepraat. Dié wil inwoners verseker dat daar aandag gegee word aan die probleem, en dat hy die relevante departement in kennis gestel het van die riool. Zwane het ook gesê dat hul ‘n plan van aksie bekend sal stel rakende die dienslewering in die area sodra die begrotingsvergadering afgehandel is. Sien meer foto’s en video’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >