DA councillor Malcolm Maifala writes:
Honourable executive mayor of the Ekurhuleni metro Mzwandile Masina, the last time I wrote to you, I requested that you please address the issues faced by residents in Ward 38.
Issues I believe are similar to the rest of the metro.
Before you assume that I am completely unhappy, I must acknowledge the attempt to address the issues that were raised.
On the matter of sewerage overflows, it is commendable that the metro has invested in the Aqua-Leap Programme, a project which is said to be leading the way in addressing the security supply across the metro.
However, I believe it would have been even more impressive had you addressed the issue around sewerage overflows.
When it comes to electricity, I believe we are taking steps in the right direction.
This is especially promising, especially after the president has given the green light for municipalities to purchase electricity form independent power producers.
If memory serves, this is exactly what the official opposition has been calling for.
I believe if we start moving in that direction, the metro can then begin to stabilise power supply to its residents.
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Until we take those steps, the call centre will have to play an integral part in making sure residents receive regular and accurate feedback from the department.
While you have a dream of a Disney Africa and Formula One track, our dream as the residents of the metro is to have a highly professional call centre.
In my letter to you, I went into detail what that dream of a highly professional call centre would be like.
Speaking of the dream you shared with us Mr Mayor.
I too believe in dreams; however, I believe the difference between you and me is that I also believe in smart goals.
Mr Mayor, a couple of years ago you decided the metro would not renew the contract to allow the BMW South African Championship to continue being hosted by Ekurhuleni.
The tournament was an attraction to visitors from across the globe who came to enjoy both the golf tournament and the best of what the metro has to offer.
I agree that we should be seeing the metro as more than simply an industrial area, there is so much more to the metro.
If your dream includes places that attract tourism, the reality is that we do have facilities, but those are both poorly looked after and badly marketed.
As an example, the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct has potential, but its doors are closed to both local and international tourists.
While you excitedly announced the Chris Hani Museum, is there even a marketing plan in place to attract both local and international tourism?
Experience as a councillor has proved to me that there is no plan; just a dream with no idea how we will begin making strides to that dream.
Furthermore, when you decided to discontinue the golfing championship, you promised us you will replace the event with a signature arts festival. Honourable mayor, we continue to wait for another broken promise and a dead dream.
Basically, you dumped a great attraction for tourism and replaced it with decay and decline.
As I think of your dream of a Formula One track, I wonder at what point will you be dreaming about beautifully resurfaced roads in our suburbs.
While I acknowledge that R5-billion was invested in asset management to keep our 8 500km road network in a good and drivable condition, the residents of Brackenhurst and Brackendowns, and I am sure in other areas of the metro as well, continuously witness the decay of their roads and street signs. Surely for someone with such big dreams, you can manage to make sure even suburb roads are in a good condition.
All I ask, Mr Mayor, is can our dreams please be aligned with delivery?
