Scourge of drug problem dominates Region

Scourge of drug problem dominates Region B IDP Feedback session

09 November 2017

Residents of Westbury used the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) feedback session hosted by the City of Johannesburg on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 to raise concerns about the rising drug scourge and service delivery.

Held at the Westbury Recreation Centre, the IDP feedback session was attended by community of members from Wards 68, 69 and 82 who asked the City of Johannesburg to intervene and deal with the drug issue.

Community members also identified the high level of youth unemployment in the area as one of the contributing factors to the drug problem in the community. Other issues raised related to the state of road infrastructure, title deeds and lack of the public consultation during the construction of the sports facilities.

In response, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Ntombi Khumalo, outlined progress made by the City in addressing the challenges facing residents in the area. “As a City, we have embarked on a number of projects in and around the region. The increase in JMPD officers will ensure enhance police visibility at any given time of the day to deal with issues of crime and drug abuse. We are committed to increase crime prevention efforts, with a focus on increased visible policing, in order to create a safe city for residents and deal with drug problem within the City,” said MMC Khumalo.

She added that major renovations would be done at the Bosmont and Claremont clinics. “Furthermore, the City has already begun the process of the redevelopment of the Westbury precinct,” said the MMC.

“We have made great strides as a City towards developing this area, however, all our efforts will be in vain if we do not consult with yourselves”, said MMC Khumalo.

The IDP feedback sessions aim to outline the City’s strategies, priorities towards development, give feedback on issues raised from previous consultation processes and give an update on progress made and budget allocated per Wards within Region B.