A BASIC survey and poll on Facebook and via WhatsApp was recently conducted to determine the most important issues faced by the different areas of ward 31, namely Sydenham, Overport, Asherville and Musgrave.
According to ward 31 councillor, Chris Pappas, the purpose of the survey was to enable him to focus his attention on things that mattered, and to allow the community to have a say in the things that they feel needed attention.
“I believe it is important that at all times elected public representatives stay focused on the issues that matter to their constituents. While we cannot always resolve the issues, for any number of reasons, we must at all times prioritise the work that our communities mandate us to do. After all, we serve at the pleasure of the public who vote us into office,” he said.
Pappas said it was also vitally important to work together at all times to achieve a better community.
“Whether it is putting your rubbish out on the right day, cutting your own verge, reporting traffic violations to Metro Police or installing a security light outside your property, there are little things that we can all do to contribute to the overall quality of life that we experience,” he said.
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Following the poll, Pappas sent out a request on community WhatsApp groups for residents to report any outstanding Parks Department issues or anything that could be looked into. He then put together a list of issues which he discussed with Sarisha Naidoo, area horticulturist and Sphiwe Gcuma, area supervisor, at a meeting and drive-around last Friday.
“I have urged residents to be patient regarding outstanding Parks issues, as the department didn’t get additional budget last year to deal with the storm damage in October and this had to come from the 2017/2018 budget which ends in June. By 1 July Parks will have a new budget and will be able to get on track with upgrades, maintenance issues and larger projects,” he said.
He said for now, Parks would be addressing the basics, cutting grass and trimming trees.
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