Report Back – Geoff Pullan April 8 2016

The Demarcation Board has substantially altered the boundaries of Ward 58 of eThekwini Metro. The eastern portion of Verulam has been removed, and various other settlement pockets have been added in. Magwaveni south, Tongaat’s Victoria and Flambel Primary areas as well as Canelands have been included in the new Ward 58.

This changing of ward boundaries is necessary, because the population in the north of eThekwini has grown. However, the choice of which suburbs to put together is a decision that should be done for the benefit of the people. For 2016 it appears to be related to levels of political support in those areas.

I am standing as a candidate councillor for Ward 58. My goal is to make Ward 58 the best ward in eThekwini. We already have a head start on many wards. Ours is the only ward with an international airport. We are one of two wards that have a fully internationally recognised Blue Flag beach – at Westbrook Beach. Also we have two Pilot Blue Flag beaches at Umdloti.

We have three libraries in our ward, but no police stations! One municipal hall, at La Mercy, a lifeguard building and a tidal pool. Also a number of schools, and religious institutions, homes for children, mosques, temples and churches.

Our new ward boundary includes all sections of the population, and all types of housing – from upmarket to the most basic. This is our challenge – to get all our citizens into safe and secure dwellings, with proper and decent services.

Our local job opportunities range from industry around the airport, tourism along our beaches, Canelands industrial estate, a quarry, market gardening and sugar farming.

We have many major roads running through the ward. The N2 toll road and its toll plaza, M4, M27, M43, M65, R102 and the international trade port road.

My passion is to create a vibrant place for all of us. In a sense, my approach is to “fix it” rather than spending time criticizing!

With your support, we can achieve the goal of being the premier ward in the city.

However, all potential voters must be registered. The last weekend for voter registration is 9/10 April 2016. All voting stations will be open from 8am to 5pm on these two days. If you have moved into this ward, or are a new voter – please register this weekend, and help us make our ward the best in the city!