Sewshanker closes chapter as Clairwood public rep
With Clairwood being a relatively disadvantaged community, Sewshanker said a lot of work still needs to be done to change the area’s negative situation and deteriorating infrastructure.
AFTER an eventful four years as ward 32 PR councillor, Sharmaine Sewshanker will bid farewell to her beloved Clairwood community as she moves to ward 26 from next month.
The move coincides with the upcoming local elections following her application to work in the ward that she lives, in North Beach.
“It is an ANC ward but I do believe that I have a good chance at winning.”
From trucking violations, criminal offences, poor service delivery, supporting the informal residents and hosting food drives, Seweshanker has played an active and proactive role in addressing the many challenges that have affected the business and residential community.
“I have loved the challenges that I faced in Clairwood. The love passion support and fighting spirit of the residents made my work so rewarding, especially my engagement with the informal settlements and stalwart senior citizens. I learned so much about the early Indian settlers and the mixed culture that exists in the area,” said Sewshanker.
She noted some of the challenges she faced during her tenure. “The influx of unauthorized business and lack of service delivery is a major concern. The back of port plans has stalled more permanent solutions being implemented on service delivery, leaving residents frustrated. I have spearheaded projects to fix several potholes on the roads, got sewer and water issues resolved, created feeding schemes and delivered hundreds of food hampers.”
With Clairwood being a relatively disadvantaged community, Sewshanker said a lot of work still needs to be done to change the area’s negative situation and deteriorating infrastructure. “Service delivery in the area must be a priority. The migration of the trucking must be more closely monitored and the ward councillor must be accessible to all the residents.
“Clairwood has really grown me as a councillor. The experience of working in one of the most diverse and difficult areas in eThekwini has been both challenging but very rewarding. I am so much wiser and empowered. I am so grateful for the experience. I will miss the warmth of the residents, the colourful festivities and the vibe of the informal settlements. The excitement of the children when my car stops and the expressive words of endearment of those that have become part of my Clairwood family,” said Sewshanker who will hand over the reins to her fellow colleague Thabani Mthethwa, in whom she has confidence will do an excellent job.
