Saxonwold and Parkwood residents meet to discuss the year that was
SAXONWOLD – The Saxonwold and Parkwood Residents’ Association hosted their Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently to discuss this year in its entirety and collectively plan for what will be coming up next year.
Acting chairperson for the association, Tessa Turvey, began the meeting by welcoming residents and giving a detailed breakdown of goals which were achieved during this year, such as the imminent completion of the fibre optic rollout in the suburbs; and the resurrection of the Zoo Lake Users Committee which has since yielded impressive results and public support, thanks to the newly-elected chairperson of the committee, Fran Haslam.
Another matter on the agenda discussed in the AGM was the cell mast project currently being implemented throughout Joburg North by service providers such as MTN, Vodacom and Telkom. It was stated that Vodacom halted their project in order to reduce the size of their masts so that the masts were less obtrusive.
The service provider currently doing the fibre optic cable rollout, Vumatel, was praised for its commitment to the project. A company representative expressed their gratitude for the support received from communities thus far and said their support was both in excess of their planned budget and expectations.
Turvey also said the association’s aim is to grow next year and have more residents actively participating in their respective Saxonwold and Parkwood communities in order for them to make their voices heard regarding the City of Joburg’s Residential Spatial Development Plan.
Ward 117 councillor, Tim Truluck, spoke of the various municipal issues being dealt with in the ward at present, such as the development of 26km of cycle lanes which should commence in the upcoming year, and the plans for a parking deck to be built at Joburg Zoo, which was halted due to an historic find being made at the construction site. Truluck stated that this project is now set to continue and the deck should be ready for use in two years.
He also shed more light on the current drought and water dilemma gripping the City.
“Residents need to understand that it is not a water shortage problem, as most presume,” said Truluck.
“It’s more a water delivery problem. Therefore, it’s important to log water leaks because 20 percent of the City’s water supply is lost to tap and pipe leaks every day. That’s the size of Emmerentia Dam.”
Details: www.sapra.org.za
