WATCH: Cowan ready to serve the community
JOBURG – With local government elections fast approaching, Ward 74 ANC candidate is ready to step up....
Ward 74 ANC candidate for the upcoming local government elections, Solomon Cowan is eager to bring his expertise and experience to help improve the area.
Despite not yet being elected as the ward councillor, Cowan has been assisting residents with various problems in the area using his local government network.
“I have a huge network – both formal and informal – and I know how to get things done and where to go,” he said.
Cowan added that serving the people was something that had always been his passion.
Ward 74 covers the suburbs of Melrose, Melrose Estate, Birdhaven, Orchards, Rouxville, Highlands North, Raydene, Greswold, Kew, Bramley, Elton Hill and Winston Ridge.
Boasting various qualifications including a BA (Hons) in political science communication, Cowan has been involved at various levels in local government and city council.
He was the deputy chairperson of the Eastern Transitional Local Council from 1994 to 2000, before becoming a member of the inner city council until 2006.
For the past few years, Cowan has been involved in a company that provides alternative solutions to the private sector to reduce electricity consumption.
“I am not going to sit and complain like other councillors and say we can’t get anything done. You have to get things done as the leader of the people, put pressure and follow up and you do not need a PhD for that – just your work ethic.”
With various issues facing the ward which include crime and deteriorating buildings, Cowan hopes to use his vast experience and network in making the ward better.
Also on top of Cowan’s list will be the issue of illegal mechanics that repair vehicles on the corner of Grenville and Louis Botha avenues in Savoy Estate. The mechanics have been causing headaches for residents and police in the area.
According to residents, the mechanics are a hindrance and are jeopardising businesses in the area.
“I believe if we want to have a well-managed city and suburbs, we have to manage the spaces and maintain them.”
He also added that another challenge was to make sure that service delivery charges were sustainable and affordable to residents.
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