Newly sworn-in councillor has great plans for residents in her ward

The officially sworn-in Ward 73 DA councillor, Mia Snyman is promising to focus on and resolve day-to-day issues that will make a difference to residents.

The elated councillor said that with a new City Mayor, Speaker and Chief Whip, change is imminent and she is planning a smooth, effective term that will put the needs of the residents in her ward first.

“The Mayor assured us that he will be looking into senior management, doing assessments on their performance, keeping the good in so we can have the best in every City entity,” said Snyman.

“I am hoping that services will now be more efficient.”

Snyman said part of her plan for her ward is to complete all that she has not been able to due to a lack of time, such as cleaning up the streets and curbing illegal dumping in the Orange Grove and Norwood areas where it is proving to be a major issue.

According to the councillor, the state of Killarney’s pavements, particularly along Riviera Road, are also a priority, but all was under control. “The company doing the digging up at the moment is Vumatel because they are putting in fibre-optic cables and I am in communication with the regional manager and the deputy regional manager and the urban inspector.

“I have asked to be informed when work of this nature has been approved because it’s frustrating when I get no communication. When residents have questions, I have no answers when I’m not informed.”

Addressing recent residents’ concerns over power outages within the Houghton and Killarney areas, Snyman said she was aware of the problem and that substations had to be monitored. “Together with the residents, we need to keep our eye on [substations] and fix whatever the problem is.

“It could be because the equipment is old but I want to do an investigation.”

Touching on some main issues in Houghton, Snyman said pavements were a bit of a concern and residents were partly to blame.

“Some residents dump sand, building rubble and [leave garden refuse] on the pavements. Pavement maintenance is the City’s responsibility but people dumping is unacceptable.”

She added that there were burst water pipes in certain areas and that general upkeep was needed. “I know what all the issues are and it’s a matter of just following up.

“I am going to continue with what I’ve been doing but with great intensity to keep residents happy.”