Clr Wendy Morgan reflects on the good and bad of 2023

Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan highlighted some of the successes and challenges for 2023.

2023 saw residents sign a petition to Rand Water demanding feedback and communication from Rand Water.

The water woes began in February with a six-day supply problem.

“The water was restored to our area before we even got to Rand Water’s head office, thanks to this petition.

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We signed and sent a petition to Rand Water and the national government to address the terrible state of the water supply to Ward 36 when a similar situation occurred in August. During this time residents were left high and dry.

“The petition has not yet been presented to the petitions committee.

“On a more optimistic note, improvements have been made to the Churchill pump station, including the installation of larger and better pumps, to enhance the water supply to residents, particularly those residing in the higher-lying areas.

“After much nagging and a petition that was presented to the council in 2018, a new generator was eventually installed at the Churchill pump station. The generator helps when there is load-shedding and power outages.

“Sadly, because of the city’s financial situation and unpaid contractors, there is still a problem with the generator’s diesel supply.

“We are here to serve the community, not ourselves, so thank you to all of the COE employees who gave it their all.”

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According to Morgan, the two Eskom incoming supply cable outages that lasted more than six days this year were probably the most difficult period to navigate.

“Living in Primrose means you have to be a survivor, as these two outages demonstrated the community’s resiliency.

“Because of Eskom load-shedding, which affects the entire nation, there have been multiple outages throughout the year owing to cable theft, malfunctions, and equipment failures in outdated infrastructure.

Long-overdue ring feed cables have been fixed, which should provide a backup power source in the event of a line failure. This is one improvement that has been made.

“There are still a lot of problems with the energy supply, including lengthy blackouts that impact communities, companies, and households but I will keep pushing the department to make changes.

“The petition committee has approved a petition that was submitted to the national government regarding the energy situation. We are waiting on a date for the petition’s committee appearance.

“On behalf of the people living in Germiston, the Primrose Rate Payers Association, the Lamdel Rate Payers Association, and the community at large via the Germiston Action Group, this petition is being submitted.

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“Shining light in Ward 36 has to be the Better Primrose initiative, started by Ackermans Pharmacy and all the businesses that are contributing to the Better Primrose project.

“Primrose has noticed a significant improvement in the cleanliness of the streets, despite the daily maintenance required.

“Imagine the difference it would make if every person and company simply cleaned up in front of their own buildings instead of dumping trash on the corners of the streets.

Rather than figuring out how to make the world a better place for all of us to live and work, we frequently just sit around and whine. A single tiny deed can have a profound effect.

“The Simmer and Jack landfill site continues to be a source of frustration for numerous locals.

New fires severely affect local businesses and residents in the vicinity.

Zama zamas kept the region literally under siege. A petition urging the national government to implement a strategy and programme to address illicit mining and the significant economic harm it poses to the nation was signed online.

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“Although there are still petitions to be presented to the petition committee, there have been some high-level police and SANDF operations in the area in collaboration with other stakeholders. To restore safety to the area, we urge both of these organisations to carry out their current operations.

“We salute the community members who volunteer as patrollers for the CPF and thank the security companies for their contribution to the safety of our town.

“Please continue doing your absolute best, members of the SAPS and EMPD, who are understaffed and under-resourced.”

Morgan also urged residents to be aware that the City of Ekurhuleni offices will be closed, starting at 12:00 on December 22 and reopening on January 22.

“There will only be standby teams working on Christmas Day. To prevent being disconnected, please make sure that, when paying from a third party, your account is paid with a seven-day allowance, prior to the due date.

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“No matter how big or small, I would like to thank every single resident who has tried to make a difference in their own little way because it is what makes everyone’s lives better. We still have a lot of obstacles to overcome as a municipality with dire financial circumstances.

“To the students who passed the matriculation exam, remember that only you have the power to create the best possible future for yourself. Go out and conquer the world.

“I hope everyone has a blessed and safe holiday season, travels safely, stays alert, and enters 2024 feeling optimistic about making positive changes to our amazing nation,” said Morgan.