Good news for Ward 86

Ward 86, Councillor Steve Kotzé is happy with the progress that has been made in the area.

“As the year draws to a close, we acknowledge the resilience of residents in having to contend with difficulties encountered like water, power outages and electricity load shedding and the grim fact that we may see more of this in the foreseeable future,” said Kotzé.

“Residents have shown great fortitude and need to be commended for having to endure spells without these essential services,” he said.

There have been some improvements made in Ward 86.

According to Kotzé, the implementation of sections of new water and gas piping is welcomed in spite of the disruptions experienced with pavement excavations.

The Public Swimming Pool in Albertskroon has also been upgraded and is functioning well.

Kotzé added that the turnaround time on pothole repairs has improved.

“A community patrol has been established in Sophiatown and has had a welcomed impact on crime reduction in that area,” he said.

According to Kotzé, very effective Community Policing Forum sectors were established in the Quellerina and Maraisburg areas respectively and have been instrumental in making arrests and preventing crime.

A further roll-out of community patrols is in progress for Newlands and the joint Albertskroon and Albertville Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Organisation area.

A Family Law Clinic has also been established in Albertskroon to assist with a range of issues, including maintenance support and child abuse.

Kotzé informed that emergency repairs to the dam wall at Alberts Farm are being pursued by the community under the auspices of the Friends of Alberts Farm Committee (FOAF) in close association with City Parks and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). The FOAF have been successful promoting the use of facilities at Alberts Farm and preventing abuse.

“The internationally acclaimed Parkrun, recently launched at Alberts Farm, is the talk of the town – in outdoor fitness circles. Volunteers give of their time to act as marshals every Saturday morning at 8am to greet participants with smiles and manage the event. The 5km circuit has fast become popular with an ever- increasing attendance to this free facility where entrants are timed for their run or walk along this scenic route.”

Kotzé took an opportunity to thank those he works with and all residents.

“To the many officials, in departments across the city, I commend you for your hard work and assistance to residents of the city. Thank you for your dedication. I ask that you keep improving your standard of service delivery and more importantly, enthuse and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

To residents of this Ward and your loved ones, may the festive season be a blessed and safe period of family time and rejuvenation, whether at home or away. I look forward to being of service to you once again in 2015.”