2009-10-22: Protest action in Riverlea Ext 1
THE City of Johannesburg recognizes the rights of its citizens to embark on protest action on issues they strongly believe in. Such protest action however should not result in damage to property, loss of lives and threat of physical violence.
Quite importantly prior to a march taking place, permission must be granted so that the march is not illegal.
The City has a Stakeholder Participation Unit that engages the public on civic issues and also accepts petitions that are then referred to the relevant departments for action.
Every year the City reviews its Integrated Development Plan and Budget (IDP&B) that is an indication of future projects, programmes, funding and service delivery plans. None of this takes place without citywide public consultation over a minimum period of 30 days.
Public meetings are held in each region and Wards where necessary with residents, business, youth, religious and educational institutions, government, NGO's, women groups and many other stakeholders. This consultation culminates in a huge summit before the IDP&B is approved by Council. The consultation process is widely advertised in five daily newspapers and at least 19 local newspapers, two national radio stations and four local radio stations.
Residents of Riverlea thus have every opportunity of participating and making inputs in the development of their area as well as Johannesburg generally. With regards to today's protest action, no permission to march or petition was received by the relevant departments.
What the City has become aware of is the alleged complaints:
Lack of housing
Lack of sanitation
Houses to be built in Riverlea
Residents from Pennyville do not want Coloureds in living Pennyville
Invitation to the Councillor Moosa to attend a meeting last night and he did not show up.
The following are facts on this matter:
70 Residents from Riverlea were offered accommodation in Pennyville in 2009 and 100 units in Braamfisher were made available for the Riverlea residents living in the two rooms in 2004.
Of the 70 units at Pennyville only 7 residents accepted and moved to Pennyville in 2009
None of the units offered were accepted in Braamfisher
Riverlea is a mining area and as such, houses cannot be built on dolomite ground.
No land available in Riverlea Extention 1 to build houses.
Pennyville is an integrated area where Blacks and Coloureds live in harmony.
The councillor refutes any allegations made as no invitation was extended for him to attend a meeting last night.
All residents have water borne sewer and most are property owners and as such are responsible for fixing leaks or bursts within their properties. The City will definitely attend to related problems on the pavement or road. If there is rented stock from the City, tenants are fully aware that they have to lodge a formal complaint at the municipal office and this will be attended to as well.
It is also alleged that residents want houses built for Coloureds in Riverlea and if this is indeed the case then affected residents will remain without homes because development within the City does not and will not take place along racial lines.
Issued by:
Virgil James
Spokesperson
City of Johannesburg
