PHOLA – For nearly ten years, residents have been appealing for a new community hall to replace the vandalized one.
Phola residents has been grappling with the issue of a vandalized and misused community hall for almost a decade.
The hall built in 2011, supposed to be a source of pride and unity, has become a symbol of despair.
It was initially intended to serve as a valuable resource for the community. However, it has since become a hub for nyaope addicts and related criminal activities, causing concern and distress among local residents.
The current community hall has been severely vandalized, with broken windows, graffiti, and damaged infrastructure becoming a common sight.
Furthermore, the influx of nyaope addicts has resulted in an increase in garbage dumping and littering, further degrading the area’s appearance and cleanliness.
In the interview with the Highveld Chronicle, Fezeka Sithole said, “This community hall was supposed to be used by us as community members where we will have gatherings such as weddings, workshops, meetings, entertainment, career skills and funerals.”
“This matter has been reported to the local councillors, and the Emalahleni Local Municipality but still no change. We do need a hall as a community.” she said.
“We are pleading with any good samaritans to help us, with some source of funding or materials to remove the hall and save the hall.” she added.
Crime activities have escalated in our community due to the current state of the hall, as the nyaope boys engage in house robbery and sell nyaope to our children. We are deeply concerned about the safety of our children,” Vusi Mdhluli stated.
“Our children they’re not safe walking in the streets especially when it’s getting darker.” he added.
The publication made an attempt to get a comment from Emalahleni Local Municipality, about the possible proposed plea by the residents but failed.
