A message from Ward 114 councillor

Ward 114 councillor Maureen Schneemann discussed the highlights of 2013 and shared her plans for 2014.

Schneemann said, ”This past year has been a very challenging year, but a very peaceful year after the many protests in 2012. There has been a good working relationship between myself, as a councillor, and the community and the leaders of the Zandspruit Informal Settlement as well as the various residents associations.”

Some of the achievements included the new Zandspruit Primary School and the new taxi rank which will be opened in the new year.

“This past winter saw five separate fires where 24 families lost their homes,” shesaid. ” We thank the churches and local businesses who donated blankets, food and clothing to help support the victims of these fires. I am thrilled to see many of the residents working together to make a difference in their own living conditions.”

She said vegetable gardens had been planted to help the aged and distressed in the community and a soup kitchen had been started for the poor. “A group of ladies volunteer to assist the aged and bedridden with home-based care. A group of residents are currently cleaning dumping areas and making beautiful gardens where before there was only rubbish. They are encouraging residents to take pride in their areas.”

She added, “The Liquor Traders against Crime Organisationhas ensured law and order in Zandspruit. Johannesburg Water has been fixing most of the water leaks in the roads, the Johannesburg Roads Agency has been repairing the potholes and road destruction from the water leaks.”

She said a new water main was currently being constructed on Beyers Naudé Drive and through Boundary Road to Cosmo City. “This is currently providing work for some of the residents. Again I thank all those caring and hardworking people who have given so much in 2013 to help in Ward 114 and we trust that 2014 will also be a good year. I would like to wish all the residents a special Christmas and all the best for 2014.”