Mayor engages with Ward Committee about Palisade Fencing at Thembalethu Cemetery
Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk was recently met by Ward Councillor Ntombi James and members of the ward committee in Thembalethu Ward 21 to see how far the work had progressed with the new palisade fencing that is being put up to enclose Thembalethu Cemetery.
The cemetery is already closed off by palisade fencing (approximately 500m in length) and about 1.4m in height thus far. This project is anticipated to reach completion by mid-November this year. The sides of the cemetery will not be fenced at this stage as it is surrounded by houses. Steel gates will be installed at the front and back of the cemetery.
Mayor van Wyk said this is an area in the community that should be, and deserves to be respected. “It is only fitting that the area is secured,” he said. While engaging with the Councillor and Ward committee, the mayor was asked to ensure that the graveyard is cleaned regularly and maintained. Hilton Spies, Community Services official confirmed that his team is on a schedule to attend to these duties and will be working every Saturday for the month of October to handle the backlog of the cleaning of cemeteries.
“We need our residents to be involved in what we do in Council. Public participation, such as this engagement with this ward committee, is needed so all of your questions and queries receive the necessary attention and answers. I am glad that we can at least do something, even if it is just starting with the front section for now, but we need to improve all these facilities for everyone, “ said Ald Van Wyk.
Mayor van Wyk said it is important that Ward Committees must look out for their own areas and the services they need, and to prioritise projects. This way, it is easier for the municipality to make decisions when budgets are considered and funds need to be allocated.
Caption: Mayor Leon van Wyk, Cllr Ntombi James, Ward Committee members and officials from George Municipality at the new palisade fencing at Thembalethu cemetery in Ward 21.