From pools to crime hotspots: MMC Nkokou’s Meadowlands mission

City of Johannesburg MMC for Community Development, Cllr Tebogo Nkokou, spent the lead-up to Easter addressing pressing service delivery problems in Meadowlands, Soweto. His community blitz revealed serious safety concerns and infrastructure neglect in several key public areas.

Responding to urgent calls from local councillor Phelimon Tabani and residents Herman Sekele, Happy Myeza, and Tebogo Malunde, MMC Nkokou visited areas plagued by overgrown vegetation, illegal dumping, and deteriorating facilities. Residents highlighted the corner of Odendaal and Mamasilanoka streets as particularly dangerous due to thick bush and criminal activity.

“This site has become a danger to the community,” said Cllr Tabani. “In the past year alone, it’s been linked to five suicides. It’s also a hotspot for illegal dumping, rapes, and robberies, as criminals hide stolen items in the overgrowth.”

In response, MMC Nkokou committed to inspecting all city regions over the coming weeks, pledging to address residents’ concerns first-hand.

Community frustration also boiled over regarding a proposed mining development nearby. Locals said they had been left out of the conversation and called for transparency and inclusion in any future job opportunities stemming from the project.

The MMC’s tour continued at the Meadowlands Zone 2 Swimming Pool, where he found the structurally sound facility in need of urgent renovation. Issues included a leaking roof, broken toilets, and a lack of electricity.

A surprise inspection of the Meadowlands Library revealed further systemic failures. Cllr Luyolo Nkubung reported that the library suffers from a leaking roof, poor infrastructure, limited book supply, no internet access, and not enough computers or cleaning staff.

“Our children must read, but if there are no books, how can we expect them to gain knowledge?” said MMC Nkokou. He said the City would seek private sector partnerships to improve the library’s condition.

The final stop was a rundown sports facility near the Ward 41 community hall. Residents complained that it, too, had become a hub for illegal dumping and crime.

MMC Nkokou called on locals to take pride in public spaces: “The community must be the first line of defence. These facilities are for their children. We will work on revitalising sports and recreational programmes to restore purpose to these spaces.”

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced:City Of Joburg

Picture: City Of Joburg