Ward 16 Councillor ready to Serve Community in 2021
by Cllr Jaco Terblanche — DA Ward 16 Councillor in Ekurhuleni
Date: 13 January 2021
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Statement
2020 was a challenging year for us all, as we learnt to adapt to a new way of living due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a community leader in Ward 16, I am immensely proud of the community and how we pulled together to assist our fellow residents with food parcels and the basic necessities during these trying times.
While the various levels of lockdown have affected aspects of service delivery, the DA is continuing to apply pressure on the ANC-led coalition to deliver on essential services, particularly by-law enforcement of building control and environmental health. The DA believes our residents deserve to live in clean and well-maintained city and it’s for this reason that grass cutting and refuse removal is imperative. The DA will not allow the City to waiver on its responsibility. The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) cannot use COVID-19 as a reason for non-delivery of services.
The DA continue to apply pressure on the various departments to ensure and improve service delivery, as a DA ward Councillor, I would like to improve communications to residents through the implementation of a monthly newsletter, which will highlight achievements and progress regarding burning issues in the ward. As a DA Ward Councillor I plan on hosting more Virtual Community Meetings to interact with the community regarding challenges they are experiencing and assisting where possible.
In 2021, the following areas are a priority for Ward 16 that as a DA Ward Councillor have prioritised attending to and will put pressure on the ANC coalition government to make changes and improvements:
- Electricity, Water and Storm water drainage:
- Streetlights not working. Residents report the matter but no action is taken by the Department. The DA demand a Maintenance Schedule from the Department which can be used to hold the Department accountable
- Protection of Sub-Stations, Mini Sub Station and Electrical Boxes
- Upgrading of the Sewerage line in the Ward
- Water pressure problems in Ward 16
- Upgrading of the Water network system
- Upgrading of the Electricity Network system
- Health and Social Development:
- The rollout of shelters for homeless people in Kempton Park
- Professional and quality Service at the Kempton Park Clinic
- Coordination of the upliftment projects for Children homes in Ward 16
- Compliance to Legislation of Crèches in Ward 16
- Safety of Communities:
- Regular feedback to communities regarding Crime Patterns in Ward 16
- Fight against Human Trafficking
- Feedback regarding the eviction of Glen Marikana
- Waste Removal:
- Upgrading of the Highveld Transfer Station
- By-law enforcement of illegal Dumping
- City Planning:
- Enforcement of Building Regulations
- Enforcement of Land-use Regulations
- Parks Department:
- Cutting of Grass in Parks
- Cutting of Grass in Open Spaces
- Pruning of Trees
2021 is an important year, due to the upcoming Local Government Elections. It is, therefore, critical that we continue to fight for services. As we continue to live in uncertain times, one thing is certain that as a DA ward Councillor, I will continue to serve the community to the best of my ability and hold the ANC coalition government to account.
Cllr Jaco Terblanche
DA Ward 16 Councillor in Ekurhuleni
