Like many ward councillors, 2018 was a busy year for Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart.
Hart said during the year she attended to numerous service delivery concerns on a daily bases and achieved some long-term objectives.
“An ongoing lack of service delivery was the biggest challenge for me during this year,” said Hart.
“If I did not escalate any of the matters very little would have been done.”
In addition to this Hart said allegations of police brutality in the community dampened the spirits of community members.
Also read: #CutOutAndKeep: Hart leads Ward 18 with heart
“Many people who find themselves victims are often traumatised for life and withdrawn.”
Despite the bad Hart said there were some achievements during the year.
One of the biggest was the rejuvenation of Horwood’s Farm with the assistance of the Horwood’s Farm Family Market.
The monthly market, organised by Michelle Van Scheltema and Charlene Jacobson, sees thousands of community members attend the park and enjoy themselves.
“The markets have brought most of the community together and attracted visitors from across the City of Ekurhuleni,” said Hart.
Sticking with Horwood’s Farm, Hart said another highlight was the start of upgrades to the park.
The upgrade will see the park improved and several alterations made to the property.
Also read: Change underway at Horwood’s Farm
Another long-term goal of Hart, which was achieved earlier this year, was the start of the installation of the Illiondale outfall sewer.
The project, which started earlier this year, should be completed by March 2019.
“The new sewerage system will hopefully see less sewerage in the waterways of our community,” said Hart.
Some of the projects Hart hopes to tackle next year include the re-implementation of the Illiondale wetland rehabilitation group and apply pressure on the municipality to repair the Eastleigh Spruit.
Hart urged community members to be more involved in the municipal process and report issues of service delivery to the municipality.
“I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and happy holidays,” said Hart.
“During the holidays, residents need to be considerate and respectful of one another.”
Hart urged community members to obey the bylaws and not to break any laws.
