Neighbouring councillors to assist in Ward 72 municipal issues
Johannesburg – Residents can still contact Kruger to assist with their service delivery issues.
Residents of Ward 72 need not be worried after their councillor Steven Kruger resigned in December because their municipal issues will still be addressed.
This according to the Democratic Alliance’s chief-whip in the City of Joburg Graham de Kock in a telephonic interview with the North Eastern Tribune on 9 January. De Kock said no one has been appointed to take over from the outgoing councillor yet, however, neighbouring councillors will try to assist.
Wards 82 and 73 councillors, Irene Rugheimer and David Fisher are the two possible councillors who might be at the residents’ service, considering they are the closest in the Joburg north-east area.
Kruger resigned last month, as reported in the North Eastern Tribune, Week ending 12 January, citing health issues.
“We have not yet appointed anyone. We will wait until the City manager declares this position vacant. Then there will be people who will put their names forward to the party and show their interest to become a councillor for the ward,” said De Kock.
The party will then conduct interviews for the right candidate and the name will be forwarded to the Independent Electoral Commission for by-elections. “However, residents who encounter problems with their service delivery issues can still contact Kruger who has agreed to assist.
“After receiving your concerns he will then escalate the matter to other councillors in the region who will then assist.” De Kock added that the councillors will not be driving around the ward but will assist with site inspections and emergency matters.
He warned that it is a long process before by-elections can take place. He said it cannot be hurried and could take two to four months, depending on the IEC.
When contacted, ANC spokesperson in the City of Joburg, Jolidee Motongo, said they were not aware of the sudden resignation of councillor Kruger. “Remember the council went on recess since 1 December and we haven’t received any news on that. He might have announced this during the recess but we will look into the matter,” he said.
Musa Novela, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters in the City of Joburg could not be reached for comment when contacted on 9 January.
Details: Steven Kruger 083 305 5659.
Filler: Do you think an independent councillor should be elected to lead Ward 72? Tell us by tweeting @NE_Tribune
