“I knew Ward Four had many challenges and I know I am up to it to sort out those challenges,” says Ward Councillor Ugan Chetty (47).
The African National Congress (ANC) candidate received 1 005 of the 4 447 votes cast during the by-election held last Wednesday.
This was 53.51 percent of the overall votes.
Looking back a week ago, Mr Chetty says that he was nervous and stressed and spent most of the day travelling between voting stations for last minute campaigning.
“I received the results at about 12.30am on Thursday, I was relieved and happy,” he says.
When asked about short and long term goals for the ward, he said: “Two short term goals are sorting out the potholes and getting the outstanding tittle deeds for the residents. Long term goals are to resolve the issues regarding the asbestos roofing and the issues surrounding the solar geysers.”
He added that community meetings would be held every two months for concerns to be raised and for feedback to be given.
“I am not going to make promises about issues if they are not going to happen, I believe in honest dialogue, which I am sure the community would respect,” he added.
Mr Chetty grew up in Durban where his love for politics was groomed.
He was actively involved with the Natal Indian Congress and was expelled in matric after leading a boycott; he was allowed to continue school after his parents pleaded with the government. He moved to Estcourt in 2003.