The Region C ward committee meeting took place virtually on August 7 to discuss the City’s initiatives in the coming months. Each of the 10 members of the committee was asked to visit the open spaces in their respective wards and submit a proposal on ways to improve that space.
This is part of a survey by Joburg City Parks and Zoo to gather public input on how to improve parks and green spaces. Members of the public are encouraged to share their thoughts online on ways to make public parks and spaces more inclusive, welcoming and safe.
The pandemic and national lockdowns have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the term of the current committee. Ward 89 councillor, Amelia Bester said they are not sure when the elections will take place. “We are not certain when our term in office comes to an end. This also impacts supplementary elections to fill ward committee vacancies.” She said in the meantime, however, they will continue to perform their duties. “We have an undertaking by the newly appointed regional manager of Johannesburg Water that we will have support in testing fire hydrants. Chairs that have not yet marked and cleaned their fire hydrants are requested to do so soon. My own priority is to have hydrants around the hospital and business hubs tested, especially in the light of the recent unrest, looting and arson.”
She added that after the local government elections, the elections for the ward committees are held. These are run by the IEC and any resident can submit a nomination form. The City pays elected community members R1 000 per month to attend meetings and perform their supportive function. “It has long been a concern of mine that committee members and councillors alike don’t take this obligation seriously as few meetings are called, and those called are poorly attended. I’ve also found that information shared by the councillor does not necessarily get disseminated further,” Bester said.
The committee meetings are open to the public and residents are encourage to join and participate.
