Ward 112 year-end message

As the new year approaches, Ward 112 councillor Lerato Mphefo shares her year-end message.

She writes:

I would like to thank all the Midrand residents firstly for trusting me to be their ward councillor, and for believing in the Democratic Alliance’s ability to deliver on its promise to turn the city of Johannesburg into a city of great opportunity.

Since the DA coalition-led administration took office, one has seen the dignity of many people restored through the handing over of more than

8 000 title deeds. Cleaners and security officers were insourced, giving them a real chance at a better life by giving them permanent jobs with a better salary and benefits.

In addition to all of this, we have seen the Department of Public Safety recruit more than 1 500 Metro police officers who will assist in law enforcement in Joburg.

I’ve been a councillor now for just more than four months and a lot has happened in this period. Just to mention a few issues, I’ve been dealing with squatter camps which have been around before my time… I have been dealing with companies digging and installing fibre illegally without JRA approval, out of the three companies caught, one company’s bakkie was impounded by Metro police, and the other two were asked to repair the road and were issued warnings. I’ve also been dealing with illegal electricity connections, two of which I saw being disconnected and one person was fined.

Traffic has been a serious issue and made worse by people who drive on the pavements and into oncoming traffic, blocking intersections and causing further delays. Just when you think nothing worse could happen, we were hit by load-shedding and then the floods, and I was constantly on the phone trying to get residents electricity reconnected.

The support of the residents has been amazing though, they have been my eyes and ears, logging calls and making me aware of issues I hadn’t known about or seen. The one thing I would like to see the residents paying attention to is the budget of the ward, realising that it’s not just the councillor’s responsibility but they also need to assist in managing this budget.

I’d like to remind all residents to be alert as this period sees high criminal activity. Keep emergency numbers where you will find them easily.

Please adhere to the rules of the road and obey the existing bylaws concerning firecrackers.

I will be available and contactable throughout the recess period. I would like to wish all residents a safe and happy festive season.

Details: Ward 112 councillor Lerato Mphefo 082 960 7043.