DA candidate for Ward 30 shares his aspirations

Rowan Torr was appointed as the Democratic Alliance’s candidate in the by-election for a Ward 30 (White River town) councillor, replacing Trudy Grové Morgan, who joined the provincial legislature.

This by-election will take place on August 7.

Last week Torr shared his thoughts about the way forward for White River. “The goals we have created for ourselves to ensure a fruitful, prosperous and healthy future for all can and will only be achieved by teamwork and understanding the plight of our neighbours, our brothers and our sisters,” he said.

He said it is evident that over the years rates and taxes were not being spent adequately on infrastructural improvements in White River, as they should have. “Our sanitation and water and supply have been top of the budgets for years. Yet today we are still seriously affected by old pipes frequently failing and raw sewage seeping onto our streets,” he said of the town’s almost permanent water issues.

Torr is also concerned about both the public schools in town being at the point of overcrowding, which is detrimental to children’s future aspirations.

Town planning is another concern. “Our recreational land is being sold indiscriminately and the 50-year flood lines are being ignored. Much-needed industrial and retail developments have been diverted from the town, only to slow down real economic growth potential.”

While airing his concerns, he, however, commended the service of some dedicated council officials who are trying their best with no proper support from the council autocracy. “We, as a community, must believe in them and support them to get the proper equipment and systems housed in town for them to do their job effectively and efficiently.”

As examples Torr mentioned the town clinic, which is in shambles, the fire and rescue station, that does not meet the minimum standards in terms of national regulation or conform to the fire and safety regulations of the Fire Act. “Those men and women are shivering in the aged wooden hut, and response time is hindered by their vehicles and living quarters being so far apart. Not to mention the expensive specialised vehicles and equipment that do not even fit into the garage-type appliance room.”

Torr admitted that exposing failure has its risks but felt that, without proper investigation, research, guidance and constant perseverance, nothing can be corrected.

“I am here to walk the talk, to devote my time and energy to see our town grow, ensure that the citizens get what they deserve and I will commit to working with our surrounding ward councillors to see a better region of prosperity for all our citizens and people,” he promised.