There is potent power in knowing what is happening in your community.
When you are in the know, you are able to devise an informed opinion and comment or object in processes that directly affects you and your family.
By law, all spheres of government, has a responsibility to call for public participation before any decision is made. These processes allow citizens to add their voices to that decision or express their opinions.
In the case of some residents of Macassar, the omission of the public participation process led to a portion of two streets in the residential area being converted into a one-way.
While the City of Cape Town acknowledged its fault in failing to gain comments from residents, its decision to forge ahead with the conversion has caused chaos on the streets in question during peak hours, much to the frustration and dismay of residents. A better solution needs to be sought for all involved.
This situation highlights the importance of staying abreast with developments on your doorstep along with the crucial role citizens’ comments play in the public participation processes launched by government and sometimes developers.
It is called active citizenship – a responsibility and duty that lies with everyone. You cannot bemoan something if you failed in your initial role to have your voice heard.
