Councillor aims for proper municipal service delivery

The involvement of ward councillors in the upliftment of our communities is a most important function.

So says Ward 4 Councillor, Albertus Meiring, who has been working hand-in-hand with the Ward 4 community in order to deliver basic municipal services to them.

Meiring said Ward 4 residents mostly reported sewage problems in their area.

“We have been struggling with dilapidated storm water drainage infrastructure, while failing to get enough support from the municipality. Duiker Avenue in Hutten Heights had to have the old system re-routed. We had to put a lot of pressure on the municipality for that project to be done.”

He added that he works with the community at large and not just Ward 4.

“My work is directed to helping the Newcastle community as a whole. I don’t just focus on Ward 4; I work where I am needed. About three months ago there was a huge problem of a sewage blockage in front of the Toyota Garage in town, which would overflow all the way to the KFC and Steers eateries. At some point the sewage spread to behind Checkers, and they couldn’t go out and make deliveries because the situation became unhealthy. After a fight of about two years, we were able to begin to see the problem being resolved.”

Cllr Meiring mentioned a problem they had encountered at Trim Park.

“About two years ago we had to attend to an issue of shack dwellers in the Trim Park. People had constructed shacks in the park, and we had to remove them because it was not legal to be there.”

He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the library developments.

“The biggest problem has been to push for the reopening of the Newcastle Library. Just two weeks ago it was discussed at a council meeting.Many motions have been put forward regarding this issue, but everything keeps getting postponed and many students are suffering because of this.”

He added that he had also assisted the Paradise community when residents needed help after heavy rains and floods two years ago.

“The area was badly affected.” Local roads are also on the agenda, with speed humps being placed in the Hutten Heights area and in front of Stucky Motors. “This was paid for by local businesses.”

Cllr Meiring is an advocate of bringing people together to work and get results.

“We have a community Whatsapp group, which acts as a broadcast space. We communicate information about service delivery, sewage leaks, road closures and all that stuff.

I believe in working directly with the people. Communication is the key in keeping residents up to date with what goes on in their area.”

He mentioned the upkeep of playparks should also be given priority in order to safeguard children.

“We have had to fix and repair parks. The park on Waterbuck Avenue was a problem, because people would drive in with their cars and sit and drink alcohol there. Children couldn’t play there safely anymore.
We managed to keep it safe by putting restrictive short poles around it, so that people can access it but can’t drive in.”

Challenges faced by councillors included the time it takes for the municipality to respond to matters.

“Most infrastructure is old and there is no budget for new developments either.
We had contacted the municipality about a geyser problem experienced, where residents were not getting hot water, because of tripped wires.” he concluded.

ALSO READ: Councillor says sewage problems are escalating daily

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