Mayoral visit in Ward 66 as part of visible service delivery clean-up campaigns

Herman Mashaba visited Ward 66 on May 7 as part of his visible service delivery clean-up campaign.

The purpose of the campaign is to show residents he cares about the city and is willing to work with the community in clean-ups.

“The mayor conducts this visit to wards when he is available.

“It’s important to him to visit the communities he serves. This way he shows residents he is a leader who leads by example,” said Region F director Irene Mafune.

The mayor visited the Observatory park and surrounding areas.

She said the issues of the ward were also looked into.

“There were a number of issues noted in the ward.

“Potholes, collapsed KIs, grass cutting, park management and illegal occupation of council property,” said Mafune.

The illegal occupation of the council facilities in the park has been an ongoing problem and residents have raised concern about it in the past.

“The mayor was not aware that there were people living in the park.

“He engaged with the people on the fact that they are illegally occupying council property and that they are using water and electricity illegally since they do not pay.

“He also expressed his shock at the conditions in which they live and their failure to clean the surrounding.

” He asked them to assist in cleaning the park, which they did,” said Mafune.

She said the mayor has ordered City Power to investigate the matter and verify the account.

“The mayor has instructed city power to disconnect power until such time the account is verified regarding payment since no one is allowed to use city resources without paying,” said Mafune.

Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha said he was surprised by the mayor’s visit, but was pleased about it.

“I was not expecting his visit, but I’m happy he came.

“I was amazed how he actively participates in the municipal activity taking place in the block.

“He joined Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in grass cutting, tree pruning, litter picking in the park, which was done with the residents who are currently occupying the municipal facility illegally,” said Da Rocha.

He said he is pleased he got to see and understand the challenges in the ward.

“The visit was positive and the mayor got to understand the challenges and also provided solutions in some of the problems in the ward, like the issue of the illegal occupation of council property,” said Mafune.

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