Clr discusses plans for 2017
“If that happens not only will the EMM lose income but community members will also lose their jobs."
With the new year just started, Councillor Bill Rundle of Ward 19 explained what he has in plan for his ward for the remainder of 2017.
At the top Clr Rundle’s list, he said he would be starting the year by focusing a large amount of his attention on the repairing and upgrading of the Eastleigh Spruit, which was damaged during the November 9, 2016 floods.
Clr Rundle believes that if the spruit is not attended to by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality soon, it will worsen the condition of the rivercourse and the already damaged businesses in the area, will become further damaged.
“If there are heavy rains again, more properties could become damaged,” said Clr Rundle.
Clr Rundle said in order to ensure that no further damage occurs to the business along the banks of the river, concrete reinforcement is needed.
“Everything needed to upgrade the spruit was approved by the Metro in 2013, but only one portion has been upgraded since then,” added Clr Rundle.
By doing the upgrade, the spruit’s water carrying capacity will also increase.
Clr Rundle explained that will be beneficial, as the runoff water from Tuni, Meadowdale and Meadowbrook industrial areas, flows through the Eastleigh Spruit.
“I estimate that between 250 and 300 businesses are dependent on the improvement of the spruit, which runs through Edenvale’s industrial area,” said Clr Rundle.
He said some businesses along the spruit, have already indicated that they are planning on selling and moving.
“If that happens, not only will the EMM lose income but community members will also lose their jobs. Improving the spruit will provide some certainty to the businesses.” Clr Rundle elaborated.
Another focus of Clr Rundle during 2017, will be to ensure that the EMM provides effective and quality service delivery to the community members of the Edenvale Area.
Clr Rundle said that there is an agreement between the citizens of a country and the government.
He said the government needs to provide services and the citizens need to pay for the services.
“Citizens need to be happy to pay for the quality of the service delivery which they receive,” Clr Rundle added.
Some things that Clr Rundle explained need the attention of the EMM with regards to service delivery, include:
r The fixing of street lights.
r Repairing and installing road signs.
r Re-doing road markings.
r The filling of potholes.
Clr Rundle hopes that in 2017, the residents of Edenvale will become more involved in the community.
He said residents must get involved in the ward committee and the budget process.
“Community members must have a say on what their money is spent on,” concluded Clr Rundle.
