Yunus Bhamjee, representative of the Lenasia Business Forum (LBF), has been a vocal advocate, expressing important worries regarding the difficulties faced by the residents of Lenasia. He has especially underscored the ongoing crisis arising from the growing occurrence of informal settlements and land grab, particularly in Ward 8, which includes Extensions 9 and 10.
“It appears as though there’s a blame-shifting scenario between the Human Settlements Department (Gauteng) and the Municipality concerning the duty for addressing informal human settlements in Lenasia's peripheral region,” he stated
The problem of land grabbing and the increase of informal settlements in Lenasia emphasizes a serious deficiency in governance and accountability.
The main assertions and positions, as detailed, reveal a lack of clarity regarding the roles of various stakeholders in tackling these issues are:
Claims: One entity claims that it is not their duty to restore order or eliminate informal settlements, effectively transferring the responsibility onto others. The implication is that the municipality should act, but there is no clear agreement or established action plan. This absence of accountability fosters confusion about who is truly responsible for addressing the crisis.
Municipality's Position: The municipality perceives the issue of informal settlements as a broader regional concern, suggesting that it necessitates a coordinated, regional approach rather than concentrating solely on local municipal actions. This viewpoint might stem from the need for collaboration across jurisdictions, but it also risks watering down responsibility and postponing concrete action.
Bhamjee clarified that the primary issue here is the absence of clear accountability. With conflicting claims and no designated authority intervening decisively, it becomes progressively challenging to effectively manage the situation.
“The residents of Lenasia, alongside local businesses, find themselves caught in the midst of these ‘muddy waters’, exasperated by the lack of action and the local authorities' inability to take decisive measures,” he clarified
Bhamjee further stated that ultimately, without a well-defined and mutually agreed-upon framework for dealing with these problems, the residents of Lenasia continue to be victims of insufficient policies that do not safeguard their rights and sustain order.
He concluded by noting that the disconnection between stakeholders—citizens, business owners, and the municipality—requires immediate attention to avert further decline of the situation. Clear communication and accountability are vital to addressing these challenges.
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