Good Party’s candidate hopes to restore ward 68 to former glory
Good Party candidate, Ayesha Hoosen, says the ward's neglect makes it seem like a forgotten area.
THE marginalisation and disadvantage of people in ward 68 were enough reason for Merebank resident, Ayesha Hoosen, to take a stand.
She is in the running to become a councillor in the upcoming elections as a Good Party candidate. Having been exposed to politics from a young age, watching her father strongly supporting the Natal Indian Congress, she believes she will be of value to her community.
“There are so many poor people in ward 68. We are like the forgotten in our area, nothing new has been done after the late Ebrahim Shaik, who was an excellent councillor for the ward.”
“I want to help make the community believe that there can be changes. The Good Party has given me an opportunity to show the community that changes are possible,” she said.
She said if elected, her mandate will be about tending to the aspects neglected over the years in the community.
She wants it to be possible for the pensioners, unemployed and disabled to be helped. She has her sights set on opening an office in the area to facilitate working closely with residents.
“My top priority will be to help the community with exorbitant electricity and water billing. I will arrange for prepaid meters to be installed free of charge.”
“A rehabilitation centre to help our youth and families that have an alcohol and drug addiction is also needed. There were lots of new plans not cascaded to the community by the present councillor. My plan is to make it possible for the municipality, community and myself to have easy access to communication,” she said.
To curb crime, she suggests that stronger relationships be fostered with the local CPF and police, including securing funding for whistleblowers for their protection.
Speaking to environmental health issues, she said the ward is one of the most polluted areas. Hoosen believes that working with the likes of Dr Desmond D’Sa, an environmental activist, would be a great start.
“The lives of our people will always be a top priority. I am passionate about helping the community. We need to have dedicated people to make it possible.”
“There are lots of helpless people in ward 68, needing hope for the future. Merebank and Wentworth need to make a change. They have the ability to choose a councillor who will help make changes so that our children have a better life. The Good Party is here to help make a difference,” she added.
