Local ward councillors tending to the service delivery needs of Express readers were granted the opportunity to reflect on the year passed and what they anticipate for 2021.
Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison addressed her residents with the following: “We are winding down to the end of a very trying 2020 for all of us. Covid-19 had a profound effect on service delivery due to the lockdown.”
ALSO READ:
Know your ward councillor: Davison leads Ward 15
Q: How did you experience 2020 service delivery considering the impact of Covid-19?
A: “All departments operated with minimal essential staff aligned with Covid-19 regulations. The biggest challenge was waste as residents generated more waste being home during lockdown. However, movement was restricted and the transfer stations were closed by the Waste and Environment Department. With no alternatives provided, this created a situation of illegal dumping. The same department also runs the parks division which is still taking time to return to normal.”
Q: How have you experienced communication to address service delivery issues in 2020?
A: “All service delivery-aimed departments struggled due to minimal staff and sometimes the lack of Covid-19 essentials. However, they did their best in communicating and resolving emergencies under very trying conditions, and I thank them for it.”
Q: How did you prioritised your ward and its community members in 2020?
A: “Ward 15 residents’ needs and service delivery took priority, regardless of the pandemic. When the lockdown was first announced, I availed myself to the community I serve. I aimed to assist in clarifying regulation issues and service delivery logistics. I also tried to assist vulnerable communities during this difficult time.”
Q: What remains your proudest achievement for 2020?
A: “Shutting down of an illegal church from the Rietvlei Wetlands in Van Riebeeck Park, with the assistance of EMPD. We replaced the bollards at Rietvlei Wetlands on Soutpansberg Drive with the help of residents. This also assisted in keeping vagrants out of the wetlands that allegedly burnt trees and cut them down for firewood sales. Attempts were made to keep criminal activity away from the Prasa lines. Rehabilitation of the ‘Beukes-gat’ is anticipated to be facilitated early in 2021.”
Q: How has the pandemic influenced individual planning considering unforeseen circumstances?
A: “There is no individual planning. Ward 15 residents and stakeholders work together with neighbouring wards, councillors and all the various CoE departments. I must thank Norkem Park SAPS and Edleen EMPD precinct for their assistance and fast action in any emergency I brought to their attention. Birchleigh Clinic has been exceptional in dealing with the pandemic, operating on the frontline, never failing our residents’ health.”
Q: What accomplishments are you striving for in 2021?
A: “The rehabilitation of the Elgin Bridge embankments and curing the constant water flow that will curb the constant road erosion under the bridge. To improve traffic signs towards the ‘truck eater’ to prevent trucks from getting stuck. To get the parks department back in full operation with concrete schedules for grass cutting and tree trimming. Having the waste department in full operation, including functional transfer stations with recycling facilities, litter picking and cleaning pavement litter bins.”
Q: How would you improve communication in 2021?
A: “I always aim to improve communication with residents. As Covid-19 restrictions will get lifted there will be more regular public meetings. I will be escalating issues via asking questions in council and reporting these back to the residents. Information is power.”
Davison concluded with the following: “Dear residents of Ward 15 and Kempton Park, I’m wishing you love, light and laughter for the 2020 festive season. Be safe, be responsible and stay healthy.”
Also follow us on:
