Ward 112 councillor message
MIDRAND – Best wishes for the festive season from Ward 112 councillor, Madeleine Hicklin.
A festive Season message from Ward 112 councillor, Madeleine Hicklin:
This has been a momentous year for South Africa when change has been the order of the day.
On 4 August, Midranders woke up abuzz with possibilities as the local government elections on 3 August had ushered in a new era. The change in administration would promise action and delivery of services to improve the lives of all our citizens on a scale not seen before.
Read New Ward 112 councillor celebrates community’s support
The journey has been a challenging one. Our Mayor, Herman Mashaba, his Mayoral Committee and the councillors in the City of Joburg have not had an easy time. Forensic teams uncovered maladministration in many spheres of local government, coupled with inadequate maintenance on ageing infrastructure that caused tremendous problems.
Many of the problems we faced were severe – the water crisis that gripped Midrand for days, leaving residents and business owners without any water, had us at breaking point. The torrential rains and the resultant flooding across many parts of the city took the lives of six citizens, some of whom were children.
There were daily challenges of sky-rocketing water and electricity bills, burst water mains and leaking sewage. It reads like a litany of complaints.
The last couple of months, though, have also been a reason for celebration. There is evidence of the positive impact we have made across all parts of Midrand. I am proud to be the Democratic Alliance public representative in Ward 112. I hold my head up high, secure in the knowledge that we have been able to effect and impact the lives of many of Midrand’s residents in a positive way!
But possibly my greatest satisfaction has come through my interaction with you, the residents. Thank you for your communication with me – often in difficult times. Thank you for sending your complaints to me to address, secure in the knowledge that you have been heard and that your matter will receive attention.
Abigail Ndlovu, the regional director of Midrand Region A, and her trusted teams have worked tirelessly to tackle the many complaints we have directed to them. Thank you for your continued efforts to deliver services and repair damaged and ageing infrastructure as speedily as possible.
Thank you, too, to the officers of the South African Police Service and Johannesburg Metro Police Department, working in conjunction with the CPF and Sector Crime teams. Your vigilance in keeping us safe is ever acknowledged.
I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you and your loved ones a blessed festive season. May you all be inspired to contribute positively to those around you. May you be blessed with good health and happiness, and may 2017 be a year in which we continue to build a brighter, more inclusive community in Midrand.
May we create an environment that truly celebrates our Rainbow Nation and one in which prosperity and security become de facto standards in our lives.
Enjoy spending precious time with your family. Cherish them. They are your safe haven. If you are going away, please drive safely. We want to see you here again in 2017.
