There is an old adage, “a week is a long time in politics”.
For those of us who have returned for a new term, the last three months bear testimony to this.
Straight out of the elections, into the festive season, to navigating the dynamics of a new council many of us are traversing exciting territory. With the festive season now behind us, the opportunity to reflect on the capabilities and shortfalls of law enforcement again presents itself.
I have always maintained that community participation and stakeholder collaboration remain the most important components of effective policing.
Through partners such as the Salt Rock Neighbourhood Watch, the iLembe Chamber of Commerce and our residential stakeholders, we are hoping to roll out sustainable partnerships going forward.
Public lighting, or the lack thereof, in Ward 22 remains problematic.
The latest audit reveals a total of 335 non-functional lights in the entire ward.
The budget allocation for contracted services to conduct repairs, was depleted in December 2021.
This is a critical service delivery department, it is therefore imperative that they budget accordingly and ensure that the budgets are aligned to ward-based needs.
Communities simply cannot remain vulnerable due to officials failing to carry out their functions effectively.
With our ward being one of the fastest growing in KZN, and a considerable contributor to the regional economy, it is simply unconscionable that our provincial roads are in the state that they are in.
Numerous requests for speed limit reduction, signage, verge maintenance and quality pothole repairs have been all but ignored.
Recently stakeholder engagement to assess road conditions, including traffic control, has been set up and I am hopeful that there will be positive outcomes with commitments and timeframes from the responsible officials.
In other news, our local library is currently getting a revamp.
The project scope will include replacement of tiles and carpets, paintwork and replacement of sanitary ware. I have known Lordon Buck, our local librarian, for the last 25 odd years.
She is the epitome of dedication and commitment, who takes absolute pride in her work environment and I am so pleased that her work space is being improved.
I must thank the KDM executive director: community services, Siyabonga Khanyile, and manager: libraries, Sihle Mathibela, for motivating the upgrades to the provincial arts and culture department.
The next few months are going to be arduous, with ward committee elections, policy reviews, and other annual legislated processes unfolding.
Public participation remains the most crucial component of democratic decision making processes, the community is encouraged to participate.
Contact me at Privi.m@gmail.com or 073 664 1830.
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