Newly appointed DA councillor Stefanie Kruger represents ward 24 and started her duties on July 21.
As part of her new responsibilities as councillor, Kruger has faced with her first problematic challenge.
The contamination of the Bullfrog Pan.
The Democratic Alliance says that once again the ANC-led Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality’s (EMM) poor process of screening contractors has caused damage to a delicate ecosystem that will land up costing ratepayers millions to fix.
A contractor was sent to the Indobali complex in Benoni to clear a blocked drain.
Instead of clearing the blockage into a “honey sucker”, the contractor pumped waste into the a storm water drain that runs straight into the Bullfrog Pan, contaminating the whole area.
An endangered species, the Giant African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus Adspersus), lives mostly underground and breeds underwater in Bullfrog Pan.
The pan has no natural drainage and if the two sewerage pumps located near the pan are not maintained and drained regularly and with the utmost caution the damage can be catastrophic, as is the case now.
Residents who live near to the pan have been reporting that the stench is unbearable and have expressed serious concern over the damage that has been caused to this delicate ecosystem.
The DA has demanded that the metro acts swiftly to begin to clean up and do everything in its power to regulate the ecosystem.
The party will further push the metro to recoup the costs of the clean-up from the irresponsible contractors.
Kruger says that she is thankful to everyone who voted for her and their support.
“I will provide to the best of my ability to enhance good services to the people ,” Kruger said.
Ward 24 includes Rynfield Agricultural Holdings; Rynfield; Fairleads; Crystal Park; Norton’s Home Estates; Benoni North Holdings; Van Ryn Small Holdings; Chief Albert Luthuli Park; Vlakfontein; Slatterville; Benoni Small Farms; Cloverdene and Boat Lake Village.
Kruger can be contacted on 076 541 9717.
