Community watch group champions civic issues

JUST weeks after the fatal accident in Cinnamon Crescent in Richards Bay in which a young father lost his life, the uMhlathuze Municipality responded hastily to the community’s request to have a tree root removed from the road, while road calming measures were also erected.

This after the CibCin Neighbours Forum requested urgent intervention following the accident on 23 July in which Edwin Moodley was tragically killed.

Last week the CibCin Forum, together with the Brackenham Community Civic Watch (BCCW) headed by Ray Govender, thanked the municipality for the quick response and intervention.

Govender said the BCCW is actively championing the concerns of the community in addressing issues of service delivery.

‘We have enjoyed a good relationship with the CibCin Neighbours Forum and encourage all streets in Brackenham to form their own street forum, meet and discuss issues and find solutions.

‘CibCin have taken the initiative to clean up the curbs, cut the sidewalk grass, clear pathways and illegal dumping sites, as well as the vacant plots.

‘Our aim is to work together with our municipality and offer a helping hand wherever we can.

‘We have started a BBCW chat group on which community members can raise civic issues and we take the requests to the relevant authorities,’ said Govender.

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Community concerns

Govender also raised concern over the violent incident which took place at Richards Bay Secondary School and said it was time for the community to help and support the school.

‘As community members we all have a responsibility to take ownership of our schools and ensure the children are safe and protected.

‘This year marks the school’s 30th anniversary and we encourage all ex-learners to come back and support the learning institution which was the foundation of their successful careers.

‘The school is facing financial difficulties, like many other schools are, and we are appealing to all ex-students and local businesses to assist the school.

‘BCCW has been in talks with local security companies and we are grateful to the businesses that have offered their services free of charge and will assist with beefing up security and safety at the school.

‘We are highly concerned by the number of high school children seeing loitering in the suburb during school hours. During a patrol by BCCW members on Wednesday morning we identified more than 20 children walking around the suburb.

‘The learners were seen jumping over the fence while others were escorted back to school by Bay Alarms security officers.

‘Learners are arriving at school very late and have once again vandalised the school wall along Cinnamon Cresent, using it as an escape route during school hours.’

Govender appealed to parents to warn their children of the seriousness of absconding from school, to adhere and respect the code of conduct and be aware of the dangers of leaving the school vicinity during school hours.

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