Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys wished her residents a safe and pleasant festive season.
Humphreys has thanked her residents for sharing information with fellow community members as quickly and as efficiently as possible via the multiple social media platforms.
“This has been the year of exploding WhatsApp groups, Facebook and technology-driven communication and it’s hugely positive. Mostly, never before have we been able to share information within the community as quickly and as efficiently as on our multiple WhatsApp street groups and Facebook.
Also read: Rain causes havoc in Bedfordview
“This has so many benefits because communities are forged, informed and individuals are not isolated. Infrastructure malfunction is reported immediately and security is enhanced with instant information that can be shared,” said Humphreys.
“I have also been overwhelmed by the number of self-appointed assistance groups – Angels collecting and distributing for the disasters occurring in our country and our society all the time. A case in point was during and after the Knysna fires. With the assistance of our Bedfordview Spar who gave up their exit area for a month while daily generous-spirited residents filled trolley after trolley with donated goods,” she said.
Humphreys said the year was not without challenges as climate change made itself known this year.
“Our neglected stormwater drains, clogged waterways, new developments without necessary water attenuation contributed in no uncertain terms to the discomfort of many whose homes suffered repeated flooding. There is much that we as individuals can do to mitigate if every household, mall or development retains some of the rainwater falling on their property by means of damming and or permeable surfaces and thus reducing the runoff, flooding could be better managed,” she said.
She added that the “cluttering of Bedfordview with billboards and posters” was another issue of concern as many residents have expressed their anger towards this.
Also read: Clr Humphreys talks service delivery
She urged those who are not on social media to make use of other ways to contact her should they need to.
“I’m very aware that not everyone is on WhatsApp or Facebook. There are still those residents out there who may be feeling isolated and not able to access assistance. If you are such a person, please do feel free to contact me,” she said.
Humphreys can be contacted at Jill.humphreys@ekurhuleni.gov.za or Jill.ada.humphreys@gmail.com.
You can also contact her on 082 450 0128 or 011 455 4685.
