Faizel Patel – 27/11/2020

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

Newly elected Lenasia ward nine councillor Imraan Moosa is hoping to do what previous officials have failed dismally to do, make Lenasia a better suburb for all residents.

Lenasians desperate for a change ignored foul weather, including heavy downpours, to make their voices heard in the recent by-elections voting into office Al Jama-ah candidate, Imraan Moosa.

The ward was for years steered by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

While Lenasians pleas about service delivery issues and illegal land grabs have been largely ignored at most levels of local government, Moosa is expected to have his hands full to resolve the land issue in order to appease residents.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Moosa has taken a bold step, indicating that the land issue is at the top of his agenda, something his predecessors were unable to resolve.

“I’ve collected quite a bit of legal material in terms of illegal land invasions. I’ve spoken to MMC (Mally) Mokoena yesterday, to speak to her and explain her the problems of Lenasia. So Insha’Allah we are hoping that we get their assistance and she’s given a commitment to me that we can start with this illegal land invasions.”

While a “new broom sweeps clean”, Moosa, without specifying details says there is a “comprehensive” plan to deal with illegal land invasions.

“It is going to be a comprehensive plan whereby the evictions will be done according to the law and we are hoping that this gets implemented as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, Moosa says he is still being briefed about the “Jamia Masjid” issue, which involves the relocation of informal traders from the taxi rank opposite the train station in Nirvana Drive to the Jamia Masjid area in Gemsboks Street.

While Moosa indicates that he wants to get reaction about the project from Lenasians,  the Lenasia Business Forum (LBF)’s  Mohammed Salejee  told Radio Islam last month businesses and residents are angry about the project.

“The Jamia situation is that I am still being filled in because there is a lot of role players there. Some of them have not consulted with me, they are having meetings. We are going to be sitting with the JDA as well as supposed land owners. I am still on an investigative stage to see what the community’s reaction or the needs of the community is for the top shop area or the CBD. “

Moosa has called on Lenasians to unite and stand up for their rights, a peaceful and safe Lenasia.

Listen to the interview with Imraan Moosa