Local ward councillors reflect on the year

AS the long trying year of 2020 draws to an end, local ward councillors share some of the ups and downs experienced by their communities and wish them well over the festive season.

Aubrey Snyman – Ward 68

“I would like to take this opportunity in wishing everyone a happy and prosperous festive season. May 2021 be a better year and make sure we keep safe and adhere to all Covid-19 rules and regulations. Stay safe and blessed always.”

Gavin Hegter – Ward 64

“With Covid-19 changing our lives it has not all been negative. In saying this I must first offer my deepest sympathy to all who have lost loved ones through this time. With the hard lockdown that has crippled our economy and left many people unemployed we saw our community coming together in these hard times. As people were unable to feed their families our community stepped up and through the tireless efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers and the generous support from residents and local businesses we were able to put a cooked meal on hundreds of tables in our ward. This was only made possible through our community spirit.

“We however can’t deny the negative impact on our city. The reality is that our municipality is crumbling. We see water leaks being ignored for weeks and even months because the department has run out of money and has a shortage of materials in the stores and can’t afford to pay contractors.”

Hegter added that streetlights are often out for months because the municipality took over than a year to appoint a contractor.

“Sadly after appointing a contractor they still can’t effect repairs because the stores are empty. Our Parks department is yet another department that is failing. Although the lockdown did affect their performance we can not allow this as an excuse. The most basic of services are just not being attended to. “Although I will be taking a break over this period I can assure you that I will continue to fight for our communities rights. So, with that said, I would like to wish all residents of ward 64 a safe and peaceful festive season.”

Zoe Solomon – Ward 66

THE Bluff’s newly elected ward 66 councillor Zoe Solomon wishes the community well over the 2020 holiday season.

In year which saw the community hit by the unexpected outbreak of Covid-19 and subsequent impact of lockdown, increased unemployment, a halt on most service delivery, the explosion at the Engen refinery, the resignation of previous ward councillor JP Prinsloo and the recent by-election – Solomon breathes a sigh of relief at the thought of how the people of the Bluff have stuck together in these trying times.

“I look forward to beginning a brand new year together and to stand as councillor of my community. A very happy and festive holiday season to the residents of the Bluff. For those who are celebrating Chrismas, I wish you a fantastic celebration with your family. While enjoying your time off together, remember to be safe, sanitise, wear your masks and maintain social distancing. We will come out of this pandemic on the other side. I send you all lots of love,” she said.

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