Rundle gives his report for 2021

With 2021 drawing to a close, the year was described by Ward 19 councillor Bill Rundle as a hectic year.

ALSO READ: Hart’s 2021 highlights

The NEWS recently met with Rundle to discuss some of his highlights and the issues from the year.

“Service delivery was a big challenge. All councillors in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) took huge strain with service delivery-related matters,” said Rundle.

“What community members need to understand is that we as councillors cannot give instructions to municipal staff.

“We depend on the department carrying out the work.”

Another challenge Rundle faced this year was the lack of communication from the CoE’s city planning department.

Rundle said earlier this year the head of the department issued an instruction that forbade officials from interacting directly with councillors.

He said the lack of communication from city planning and other departments created major issues for all councillors.

Besides service delivery and the lack of communication of departments, Rundle said the municipal elections made the year all that much busier.

Although the elections posed a challenge, Rundle believes the public has become more informed and educated about the processes of government.

That the elections were smooth and peaceful was an absolute highlight for me,” said Rundle.

Other issues he identified included recyclers at the intersection of Main Road and Central Avenue, Edendale and Main roads.

He said vagrants and recyclers are building shacks and shelters along Eastleigh Spruit in Denver and Protea parks.

“What the recyclers cannot sell or use themselves, they discard in the park or throw into the spruit,” said Rundle.

Speaking on his highlights, Rundle said the remediation of Central Avenue Bridge was finally completed.

The project, which started in 2019, was initially allocated R8-million and was completed last year.

“An additional R1.8-m was spent fixing up the bridge and the work that was done, so once that was completed it was a highlight,” said Rundle.

Another highlight for Rundle was stopping the pollution in Eastleigh Spruit, which runs through Protea Park.

Rundle also gave thanks to community members for taking the initiative and stepping up to care for and maintain parks in their neighbourhood.

In Dowerglen Ray Hogg took it upon himself and started a rejuvenation project of Willow Park, hoping to uplift his community and bring residents together.

Similarly, in Edenvale Ridge, community members Michael Anderson and Neil Heron rehabilitated Frank Marret Park, its water system and the surrounding ecosystem to preserve the environment.

Rundle thanked these community members, the dads of Dunvegan and the countless others who privately maintain the public parks in Ward 19.

As the community prepares for the new year, Rundle encouraged residents to report service delivery matters to the municipality as soon as possible.

“Don’t wait for something to get to a point where it cannot be repaired.”

Rundle advised community members to make use of the MyCoE app or to call the customer care centre when reporting service delivery issues.

Giving his end-of-year message to residents, Rundle told community members to abide by Covid-19 regulations.

“If you do so and want to, consider getting vaccinated,” said Rundle.

“If you are travelling, obey the rules of the road, the traffic laws and respect other drivers. Don’t drink and drive and be responsible.”

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