Ndlambe mayor Phindile Faxi apologised for being late to last week’s council meeting, but was happy to report he had “bragging rights” over housing.
“Housing projects that were blocked [to address bulk infrastructural concerns] are now unblocked,” Faxi said.
The projects include new houses to be built in Marselle, Nemato and Thornhill.
“There is movement in that project [Thornhill] where before there were people in the streets protesting,” he said.
On another topic, Faxi said: “In a previous speech I said Port Alfred is over-malled. We need development in the rest of Ndlambe. I had a nice meeting with the Kenton-on-Sea Ratepayers Association about possibilities of a mall in Kenton.”
Faxi said there was also a proposal for a mall in Alexandria. “Standard Bank was going to move out of Alexandria because of low economic activity,” he said.
He also mentioned a proposal for an abattoir which would slaughter 50 cattle a day. “We must grab that opportunity with both hands. It would provide employment,” he said.
“The old market building in Port Alfred is still an eyesore. I appeal to council to take a decision on the building as a possible source of revenue. I’ve asked this before,” Faxi reminded.
“I’ve said it before, councillors need a workshop on revenue enhancement. We are situated between two big metros – we must take advantage of that.”