David Potter is all about the basics
RANDBURG – Ward Councillor discusses his passion for basic service delivery.
Ward 102 councillor David Potter has a passion for seeing basic services delivered. “The job of a Ward councillor entails being the link between the community (voters) and the Council [City of Johannesburg],” he says.
“The 260 councillors in the City vote on items and represent the millions of residents… sadly in the City of Joburg service delivery fails the residents daily, so service delivery is a large chunk of work that takes place.”
According to Potter, basic issues such as grass cutting, street light repairs, and removing of weeds on pavements are not given enough attention.
“The Mayor of Joburg [Mpho Parks Tau] has big, lavish plans but yet his administration fails to deliver on the basics,” Potter says.
He adds that aging infrastructure in the city is also of concern.
“Residents have submitted petitions for the replacement of water pipes and the upgrading of road intersections,” he says.
Potter explains that “the City has turnaround times for each type of service delivery failure”. According to him, Johannesburg Water usually repairs burst water pipes within their allocated timeframe, and the Johannesburg Roads Agency attempts to repair traffic lights within 24 hours. However, road surface reinstatements, which is the repairing of roads after being damaged, street light issues, and issues dealt by the Metro Police, are not given speedy attention.
Potter says that he enjoys interacting with residents and officials, resolving issues, and seeing growth in his Ward.
“There is nothing better than parks with their grass freshly cut too,” he says.
“Drive around your suburb… we live in an amazing place. The grass is green, we have lavish trees and beautiful parks. Coffee shops await on many corners.”
Potter encourages residents to log service delivery issues at www.lookandlog.co.za. “Residents must get involved in their resident’s association, street committee or Community Policing Forum,” he concludes. Potter is responsible for Blairgowrie, Bordeaux, Ferndale Extensions 3 and 5, Fontainebleau Ext 1, Moret, President Ridge, Randburg CBD, Ruiterhof, Lyme Park, Willowild extensions 1 and 2 and Solridge.
Details: Ward 102 councillor David Potter david@oursuburb.co.za
