Constructive interaction between ward councillors and residents bring positive results.
This was evident at last week’s Ward 30 meeting where residents applauded councillor Jack Abrahams’ good work and timely communication to keep people informed.
Included in Abrahams’ progress report to the 40 residents who attended, was the encouraging news that good headway was being made regarding the repair of the M4 Tongaat River bridge.
He said the bridge could be open to traffic as soon as December 14, although the official opening date had been put down for December 19.
Further discussions on the agenda included the Dukuza electrical substation currently under construction and due to be completed by next August.
The substation should improve the capacity for both Ballito and Salt Rock, enabling the grid to keep up with developments for the next 10 years.
With the upcoming festive season approaching, Abrahams also touched on the rehabilitation of the beachfront promenade, which he said was progressing well, as was work on several staircases leading to beaches within ward 30.
Efforts by the Ballito UIP to prevent liquor from being brought onto beaches were also applauded.
Concerns were raised however relating to unattended vacant stands within the ward.
Resident Roelf du Toit asked whether the KwaDukuza municipality should not intervene when vacant properties are not adequately maintained by the respective property owners, something Abrahams will investigate.
On hearing that a joint security operations centre would be established at the Ballito Library from December 16 to January 2, resident Debbie Rogers asked whether this could be extended until January 17.
The operations centre will be used by KwaDukuza Saps, the municipal crime prevention unit, community policing forum, Ballito Neighbourhood Watch and local security companies.
Rogers also expressed her gratitude for the traffic flow improvement in the Ballito central business district after the Ballito UIP installed traffic light inverters to keep them operational during loadshedding.
Two vacant positions on the ward 30 committee were filled by Walter Schotter and Etienne Naude after a public vote during the meeting.
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