By Nangamso Mabindla
6 January 2005

THE BUFFALO City township of Scenery Park is set for new developments during 2005 aimed at improving conditions in the impoverished area.

Last year saw the installing of pipes on a number of stands, the erection of new houses, the building of a R2-million water station and the building of speed humps in the main road.

Despite these achievements ward councillor Vuyani Holiday said the area needed further development. "We would like to make further improvements in Scenery Park - especially to our infrastructure," said Holiday

One issue on his agenda was the upgrading of roads. "When it rains hard, we have problems with mud. It makes it difficult for children to go to school," he added. "We need to improve our roads and the drainage system and we want to do that this year."

Crime was also a problem in the area and residents wanted the township's police station enlarged to accommodate more officers.

"That's also an exciting development," Holiday said. "The station will be extended sometime this year and we'll have a bigger station and a better police presence in the area."

A new community hall to cost some R500 000 was also being planned for the Scenery Park community. "We don't have a fixed place to hold our meetings or other community activities. But we're still trying to raise funds to build the hall."

The ward councillor was also excited about a pilot project to build five houses for people without homes. This was due to start in February.

"We're working with the municipality on this one," Holiday said. "If the pilot project is successful we'll build more houses here in our area before it is implemented in other areas," added Holiday.

"We're looking to surpass last year's delivery with these projects," he added.