Councillor, city at odds over project to extend BRT to Reiger Park
However, the councillor is still standing by her earlier statement – the Ekurhuleni project to extend its BRT to Reiger Park has started.
These conflicting statements invite the obvious questions: Who is trying to mislead the public, and why?
A couple of days ago, Klassen posted a video on social media to share the good news with her Ward 34 constituency that the long-awaited construction work to bring Harambee's fast, convenient, and affordable bus service to the township was underway.
She even pointed at workers employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), saying they were carrying out construction work to improve the road network in preparation for the introduction of BRT services.
Reaction
However, the city responded to these claims by accusing the councillor of peddling misinformation and misleading the public.
'The city distances itself from the misinformation regarding the Harambee BRT service extending to Reiger Park soon. It is false and misleading,' said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
He affirmed the city's commitment to prioritising transparency, stakeholder management, and public participation in the handling of projects.
'The city would not implement any project that may have an impact on society without engaging with the necessary stakeholders and affected communities, particularly those within the transport industry,' explained Dlamini.
Scapegoated
The Boksburg Advertiser reached out to the councillor again for her stance on the issue. Despite criticism, she stuck to her guns, insisting that the work had already started.
'The municipality may have flouted the processes, and now the easiest way to escape responsibility is to blame me by trying to make me look as if I am lying.
'The CoE, as with many other projects in my community, introduced the contractor to me as the ward councillor and told me that it is the contractor appointed to start the construction work for the BRT extension to Reiger Park.
'I welcomed them and, as part of my responsibilities, introduced them to the community. There are people already busy on-site.
'However, I was aware that taxi operators were unhappy about not being consulted, so maybe the municipality realised the lack of consultation could seriously affect the project, which is why they are now backtracking to avoid consequences.
'They must not blame me for their lack of communication with their stakeholders. They said I should have informed the provincial government before going public about this project.
'I have nothing to do with the communication between the city, province, and the taxi associations. It is the department's responsibility.
'When a project comes to my ward, I inform the public, which I did. I have never been asked to inform the province before I go public about a project in my community. Maybe it's their responsibility to do that.
'The relevant department must do what they are required to do, and stop blaming me for their shortcomings. I welcome the project because I know that it will open more job opportunities for the youth.'
Also Read: Extension of Harambee BRT halted due to apparent payment failure
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