ELECTIONS take place next Wednesday and residents will have to decide which political party will best serve the interest of the community, addressing concerns and ensuring service delivery.
While many admit to looking back with a sense of disillusionment at the promises made following the last local government elections, Cllr Bheka Mtshali reflects on some of the achievements of the AbaQulusi council.
“I am the first to admit that our biggest mistake as the council of AbaQulusi is that we did not appoint a strong municipal manager. We would have done much better if we had a municipal manger to help us deliver services efficiently and effectively. Under the circumstances, however, I feel that we did very well. When I look back, I really think we made progress where it matters the most,” said Cllr Mtshali.
Cllr Mtshali uses Ward 5, Enyati and surrounding area, as an example of where a hard working councillors has accomplished a lot for his community.
Also, more than 200 mud houses that were washed away during the floods of 2012 were replaced with RDP houses, nearly 80km of roads were built, 1 350 VIP toilets were installed, 1000 households have benefitted from the installation of communal standpipes, and the Vumani Primary Health Care Clinic was established in 2013.
Ward 5 resident, John Chili (73), said he appreciates the fact that he can see service delivery in his area.
In Ward 10 (Bhekuzulu), three elderly women, identified by the Department of Social Development, moved from dilapidated mud houses to RDP houses after the Department of Human Settlements stepped in to assist. This ward has also benefitted from the widened streets and the playground that was established with exercise equipment to encourage fitness.
Wards 16 and 18 (eMondlo) have benefitted from the construction of new roads and the establishment of the Thusong Community Centre, which accommodates SASSA and Home Affairs closer to the people in that area. Brand new hawkers shelters and a taxi rank have also been built but are not yet in use.
In Ward 19 (eMondlo) more than 1000 houses have been built in a three-phase housing project.
“So you can see, a lot has been done, and I am sure that I speak for all councillors when I say that I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community,” concluded Cllr Mtshali.
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