The DA said the proposed demarcations in many areas are too problematic.
According to a statement issued by the DA, vast improvements are noticeable in some cases but there are too many areas such as Edenvale, Springs, Northern Benoni , Kempton Park and Northern Boksburg that are adversely affected by the new proposals.
The party’s concerns are that the new layout is set to divide communities into separate wards.
“It will inevitably affect the delivery of services to these areas and that certain wards will effectively cross three boundaries. The ill-thought out logic of this demarcation could mean neighbours directly across the road fall into a different ward and in some cases, serviced by a different region,” said Clr Tania Campbell, the DA Ekurhuleni chief whip.
The party believes it will lead to widespread confusion, not only for residents, but for the contractors employed by the metro too.
“Councillors, as well as ward committees, have not been approached by the ward demarcation board. The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) seems to operate on its own mandate with no structures taken into consideration,” said Clr Campbell.
The party said they have two proposals that will be submitted to the MDB for review.
They also said that they will remain in constant communication with the residents of Ekurhuleni and will encourage the residents to get involved and contribute during the Demarcation Public Participation taking place in their wards.
The NEWS requested comment from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Municipal Demarcation Board by October 29 at 10am.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
