As 2018 nears its end, the NEWS met with Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle to see what were some of his highlights during the year.
“During 2018 there was very little service delivery conducted in Edenvale,” said Rundle.
“Very little was done to re-mediate the Eastleigh Spruit, water and sewerage leaks are an epidemic while a lack of staff at the Edenvale Licence Centre has frustrated residents.”
Rundle said work on the spruit was meant to start in April however it never started.
“I expect that remediation will start in January however this will still be during the rainy season,” said Rundle.
“If repair work can’t start in January it will be postponed to the dry season.”
Rundle said despite a lack of general service delivery in his ward there were some highlights.
One of the biggest highlights for Rundle was the community coming together and contesting a development proposed for land around Sizwe Tropical Disease Hospital.
He said through the community’s efforts the development was forced to stop and has been put on hold indefinitely.
Like the postponement of the Sizwe development, Rundle said the growth of the Ekurhuleni North Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ENCCI) was also a highlight.
Rundle said membership of ENCCI has increased over the past year and is growing well.
He said the organisation focuses on assisting businesses in the area and empowering owners of start-up businesses.
Smaller highlights for Rundle included:
• Having the steps at Edenvale’s Customer Care Centre entrance repaired and re-tiled with non-slip tiles.
• The lifts and air conditioning at Edenvale’s Library being repaired.
• The EMPD being proactive in enforcing by-laws and conducting speed control operations.
“Despite what was achieved, community members need to get involved with municipal matters,” said Rundle.
“Residents need to attend public meetings and report matters to the municipality.”
Rundle said some of the objectives for 2019 include having 25 speed humps installed across Edenvale, creating a database of elderly, disabled and people living alone and hosting workshops for the unemployed youth at the Edenvale Community Centre.
“I wish all community members good health and prosperity. If you are travelling, please respect the rules of the road and other road users,” said Rundle.
“People should enjoy the festive season but be responsible citizens.”
