Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood writes:
Residents, we have almost come to the end of what can only be described as an eventful year.
We had a change in the Presidency, downgrades by the rating agencies and rising unemployment figures.
Notwithstanding these events, I am pleased to highlight the positive things that have happened, in Ward 104 during the year.
The following I would consider as some important milestones attained:
- Major water upgrades in the Bryanston Ext 3 area. This was broken down into two phases and the contractors are now off-site.
- A number of roads in the ward has been resurfaced and road markings completed.
- The A Re Sebetseng (Let’s get to Work) campaign as launched by the Mayor, is proving to be a huge success in the ward. On the 3rd Saturday of the month, an appeal is made to the community to take part in clean-ups. Parks, river areas, intersections and roadways have been cleaned up.
- The marketing and promotion of the Children’s Traffic Center in Fontainebleau has been a success. This venue is used by schools for road safety education and for children’s parties.
- The ward has partnered with an NGO in Fontainebleau, by the name of Doorway to Dignity and have provided limited employment to some of the folk.
- New resident’s associations have been established in the ward and this has led to an upsurge in community participation.
- Communities are taking back the green belts in the ward. I mention in particular, the Ferndale Resident’s Association and their work in the green belt. The Friends of the Cumberland Bird Sanctuary in Bryanston also deserve credit.
In all honesty, I cannot single any individual out for special mention. My thanks go out to all those folk who have played a role in making our ward a better place.
As I look towards 2019, my hope and dream is that we can tackle the scourge of unemployment in the ward, together with addressing some of the social ills that accompany unemployment.
I would like to thank and wish all role players that assisted me in 2018, your assistance is much appreciated.
To the Christian community, I wish all a very blessed Christmas. To all our residents, my best wishes for a relaxing time with the family. If you take to the roads, take care.
I look forward to working with you all in 2019 and making Ward 104 even greater.
May God bless you all.
