Residents and ward councillors who work together can bring about change in their community.
Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett keeps in touch with residents on social media platforms. She also produces a newsletter for the service delivery issues around her areas.
“I don’t rest that much, the weekend is the busiest time for me. I get involved with the residents a lot. They work really well with me and the communication is open between us,” she explained.
The councillor is glad to be working with helpful communities. “They are amazing, they help me because they are supportive and understanding. They understand I cannot know everything and they understand I often have to get advice.”
Huggett said her current challenge is drugs and crime at 1st Street in Killarney. There are complaints of noise, drug dealing and drinking from frustrated residents who feel the need to tighten their personal security. “The community in Killarney cleans their area, they don’t wait for cleaning campaigns. The whole of Killarney area is tidy and neat but when it comes 1st Street, there is too much litter and people urinate against the walls so the crime is going up around that specific area.”
She believes that it is best for the New Killarney Residents Association to keep liaising with Metro police and South African Police Service members in eradicating crime. “The New Killarney Residents Association members always need to invite the JMPD and the police to attend meetings so we can coordinate occasional raids and clean up the area. We need an increased presence from the police, not just a drive-through because they the perpetrators hide and reappear as soon as they have left.”
If you are in Houghton and Killarney, do not hesitate to contact councillor Huggett as she has your best interests at heart.
Details: Eleanor Huggett 071 785 8068; eleanorhuggett@gmail.com
Are you satisfied with the service delivery you receive from your ward councillor? Let me know on koketsor@caxton.co.za
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