The commencement of the implementation of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) is probably the biggest event of the year in the North Eastern Tribune area. Despite the problems and uncertainty that come with it, I am hopeful that it will bring renewal to the Louis Botha Avenue corridor, something that is desperately needed.
The lack of service delivery is the second biggest problem. Despite promises by the Mayoral Committee, nothing has changed and the progress of maintenance issues is very slow. Our pavements are in an appalling mess and I despair they will ever be fixed. The weed control programme is gone and forgotten, and the reinstatements of Johannesburg Water excavations take much nagging and are often just never done. Missing covers are a challenge and no sooner are they replaced that they either get stolen or broken.
The construction of illegal buildings is rife and departments do not have quantity of inspectors to see these complaints through to the end. Law enforcement is lax, and often police and Metro police do not follow through on complaints.
On the bright side, I work with some wonderful, committed citizens and would like to thank the Ward 73 residents’ associations, Community Policing Forums and the Ward Committee for their outstanding contribution to society. I look forward to a better 2015.
