The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) responded to a statement about the new ward demarcation proposal being too problematic in many areas.
The NEWS reported in its November 4 edition that according to a statement released by the DA, vast improvements are noticeable in some cases but there are too many areas, Edenvale included, that are adversely affected by the new proposals.
The party’s concerns included that the new demarcations will divide communities into separate wards. The party stated that councillors and ward committees were not approached for input by the ward demarcation board.
According to the EMM’s spokesperson Mr Themba Gadebe, the session held in Germiston on October 21 was only for councillors.
He said the invitation that was sent by the speaker to all councillors was clear to this effect.
“The session was convened as a workshop by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) to take all councillors through Circular 21, as issued by the MDB during October,” said Mr Gadebe.
He said it was in order for councillors to be well inducted to be able to assist residents within the respective wards in understanding the proposed ward demarcations and voting district delimitations.
“This was done in preparation for the scheduled public information sessions. There are various public meetings in the municipality scheduled from October 26 to November 4. Take note that wards are demarcated by the MDB and not the municipality,” he said.
Mr Gadebe said the MDB prepares the demarcation as informed by the number of registered voters from the IEC.
The MDB then demarcates the wards and presents this as proposed wards though a Gazetted Circular for the public to view and comment on.
He said the MDB has an objection form that residents, either as individuals or groups, must use to list their concerns or objections to the proposed wards.
These forms must be submitted directly to the MDB.
The NEWS requested comment from the MDB following the DA statement to which no comment has yet been received.
