Nicolene Haasbroek outlines plans to improve Ward 37

1. What are the three biggest challenges currently facing your ward, and how will you address them?

The three biggest challenges currently facing Ward 37 are: Road and Electrical Infrastructure: My first action will be to understand the cause of the current failures. I will engage directly with departmental heads and officials to determine the specific challenges they are facing, whether these relate to funding, resources, staffing, procurement, or operational constraints.

Once these challenges have been identified, I will take them forward through the appropriate Council structures and committees to seek practical and sustainable solutions. With proper collaboration, we can restore service delivery in Ward 37. Health, Welfare and the “Funny Farm” Property: The local clinic and the Gauteng Department of Education property fall under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government and are therefore outside the direct mandate of the local municipality.

I will work closely with DA Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to arrange oversight visits and inspections at both the local clinic and the “Funny Farm” property. These oversight visits will provide an opportunity to assess conditions firsthand, identify shortcomings, engage relevant provincial departments, and apply pressure for meaningful intervention and improvement.

2. How will you improve basic service delivery such as water, electricity, refuse removal and road maintenance?

To improve basic service delivery, I will be guided by the DA’s five key priorities of fixing local government, restoring service delivery, appointing people fit for purpose, growing the local economy, and fighting corruption.

This simply means that infrastructure maintenance will be prioritised, and municipal funds will be spent on the services they are intended for.

3. What specific plans do you have to improve community safety and reduce crime in the ward?

The DA believes that safer communities are built through strong partnerships, visible policing, and smart technology.

I will work to strengthen cooperation between SAPS, the CPF, community patrollers, and private security companies. I will push EMPD to create a coordinated approach to crime prevention.

4. How will you ensure that residents are kept informed and involved in decisions affecting the community?

I will maintain open and regular communication through community meetings that address residents’ concerns and issues, service delivery updates, Ward Committee feedback, and reports on Council matters.

I will also use community WhatsApp groups and other platforms to keep residents informed and give them a direct voice in setting ward priorities.

5. What will you do to support local businesses, informal traders and job creation in the ward?

As a DA candidate, I support the DA’s commitment to growing the local economy by creating an environment where businesses can thrive and create jobs.

I will advocate for reliable service delivery, well-maintained infrastructure, and safer communities, which will bring investment to the ward. I will also advocate for the reduction of red tape that makes it difficult for businesses and informal traders to operate.

6. How will you improve conditions in informal settlements and underserved areas within the ward?

Ward 37 has the ‘Alberton Train Station’ informal settlement.

While I understand the challenges that have led residents to settle there, it is not an ideal living environment and presents significant health, safety, and social risks.

I will work closely with the relevant municipal, provincial, and community stakeholders to pursue sustainable long-term solutions. My focus will be on ensuring that residents are treated with dignity while working towards safer, healthier, and more sustainable living conditions for all.

7. What is your plan to address infrastructure problems such as potholes, sewage spills, streetlights and illegal dumping?

I will ensure infrastructure challenges such as potholes, sewage spills, faulty streetlights, and illegal dumping are reported, tracked, and escalated until resolved.

I will push for preventative and regular maintenance. By focusing on maintenance, accountability, and efficient service delivery, we can restore clean, safe, and well-maintained communities across Ward 37.

8. How will you ensure municipal funds allocated to the ward are spent transparently and effectively?

The DA supports transparent procurement processes, strong financial oversight, consequence management for corruption, and public accountability.

I will keep residents informed of planned projects, budget priorities, and progress on ward-related spending through regular community meetings and feedback sessions. I will work to ensure municipal funds deliver visible improvements in our communities and provide value for every ratepayer.

9. What programmes or initiatives would you introduce for young people, women and vulnerable residents in the community?

I believe the best way to uplift our community is by empowering people with skills and providing them with opportunities. As a DA councillor, I will work to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and the private sector.

I will facilitate youth and women’s workshops focused on practical skills, leadership development, and small business growth, while creating platforms for young people to engage, share ideas, and participate in community development.

10. If elected, how will residents be able to hold you accountable and measure your progress over the next five years?

The DA has implemented performance assessment measures for all its councillors to ensure they uphold their mandate and remain accountable to the residents they serve. I will encourage residents to share constructive feedback on my performance.

Honest feedback helps identify areas that need improvement while also highlighting what is working well. Residents will be able to measure my progress through regular reporting on service delivery issues.

My commitment is to remain accessible, transparent, and responsive, ensuring that residents always know what has been achieved, what challenges remain, and what steps are being taken to address them.

Caxton Local Media invited Ekurhuleni mayoral candidates, as confirmed at the time of publication, to participate in a question-and-answer interview, giving voters a chance to learn more about their plans, priorities, and hopes for the city ahead of the Local Government Elections on November 4.

The views expressed in these questionnaires are those of the respective candidates and do not represent the views of Caxton Local Media or any of its publications.

The answers are intended solely to provide voters with information about the candidates contesting the election and to help them make informed choices at the polls.