Despite the biting cold, residents turned out in encouraging numbers, on July 5, for an engaging and well-organised public meeting hosted by Ward 94 councillor David Foley at the Lonehill Fire Station.

Because it is said that knowledge is power, the meeting formed part of Foley’s ongoing campaign to connect the community with key service delivery teams and management.

Representatives from City Power, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), and Eskom were present, and delivered insightful presentations, followed by a robust question-and-answer session.

Also read: JRA is fixing Ward 94’s streets

Foley said the main service delivery concerns were about streetlights and potholes. “City power and JRA spoke mostly about the new budgets and planning. Eskom spoke about the new reporting and escalation levels, which will be shared shortly.”

Foley said a number of other issues, outside his ward, were raised by residents, especially in Chartwell, which falls under Ward 96. However, due to the fact that they are still within the same region, he said JRA will address them accordingly.

The atmosphere remained positive and welcoming, with residents feeling confident and comfortable raising their concerns. “The success of the session is that all questions that were asked were answered satisfactorily,” Foley said. “The next session, I will invite other city entities.”

Also read: JMPD clears illegal settlers after long community push in Fourways

When asked if there were any immediate commitments or timelines given by the service entities in response to resident concerns raised during the question and answer session, Foley said: “Yes, with the new budget, the potholes in various areas will receive urgent focus, as well as the repair of some of the streetlights that are not working.”

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