A year of ups and downs for Tshwane
As we approach the end of yet another year, Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa took the time to write a special Christmas message to Rekord readers.
The past year had been one of successes and some failures for Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa and his team at the metropolitan council.
Not only had the metro hit the record books with its free Wi-Fi with more than one million unique visitors, the mayor and his team also saw to it that one of the metro’s under-utilised treasures – Wonderboom Airport – now had scheduled commercial flights and a reliable source of aviation fuel.
Huge strides were made with the all-important bus rapid transit system (BRT) A Re Yeng and the metro also introduced impressive compressed natural gas fuelled buses.
The most spectacular failure however was the costly doomed contract with Peu Capital for the supply and running of prepaid water meters for the country’s capital.
“Regardless of the notable problems which marred 2015 and hamstrung our path and resolve for radical transformation, we can still summarise it as a year in which we fulfilled our executive and political mandate of walking with our people as they pursued their quest for economic opportunities,” Ramokgopa said in his annual year-end message to residents.
“We promise to continue to deliver on our mandate in the new year.”
The mayor said the evidence was everywhere and that residents were continuing to feel, see and touch the benefits the metro had set two years ago – to transform it into a resilient and innovative metro.
“Our strategy has become more focused and we know what we must do to provide comprehensive services to our people and move them forward,” Ramokgopa said.
“Christmas is a time to celebrate successes and friendships, but also to think about those not so fortunate.
“We must continue to look out for our neighbours, especially those who are sick or elderly, and to speak up for children who are at risk.”
The mayor also took time to consider those who must work over the festive period to keep the residents of the metro safe and healthy.
Ramokgopa said the holiday season was a time when the metro was particularly grateful to those who could not take time off to be with their families because they were taking care of all of us —including medical staff, police and the fire service.
“These extraordinary people are not concerned with recognition or reward and they deserve credit,” the mayor said in his message.
“As we approach 2016, let us enjoy the spirit of the Christmas season and remember that respect and kindness to others will last all year round.”
He said he was humbled by the great support and hard work of everyone in the organisation during 2015.
“It gives me great confidence for the year to come.”
“Enjoy some well-deserved rest with your family and friends during this holiday, and let us come back with new inspiration in 2016.”
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