New Ward 72 councillor Greenberg talks service delivery
SANDRINGHAM – The newly appointed Ward 72 councillor urges residents to report service concerns to the relevant entities before escalating them to their councillors.
Newly elected Ward 72 councillor shared his plans for the ward and urged residents to work with him to ensure adequate services are rendered.
In an exclusive interview with North Eastern Tribune on 3 June, councillor Lionel Greenberg said he wants to tackle the most pressing issues affecting residents in the ward. He cited lawlessness, youth unemployment and the Sizwe housing project in Sandringham as well as the recent power outages that affected residents in the north-eastern suburbs.
Read: Lionel Greenberg is the newly elected DA councillor for Ward 72
Greenberg said the issue of lawlessness has become endemic in South Africa adding that it has sadly encroached Ward 72 and neighbouring suburbs. “I urge residents to comply with municipality by-laws and laws of the road… residents habitually flout the law and the youth are not being guided by their elders.
“Currently I have forged a good working relationship with municipality by-law enforcement agencies including the Metro and the police to address lawlessness and to keep Ward 72 safe.”
He said he plans to have meetings with residents to discuss specific issues relating to the immediate areas where they reside but did not give specific dates.
Meanwhile, about the Sizwe project, he said he had engaged with the action group opposing the development in the Sizwe facility. The group is said to be opposed to the destruction of a graveyard for the low-cost housing scheme, saying it is of great concern. Greenberg said, “I am astounded that our residents have not supported this group of ladies who have attempted to preserve the area and respect the dead who passed away from contagious diseases.”
Talking about electricity concerns, the councillor admitted that City Power issues of late have severely impacted residents. However, he added MMC Nico de Jager has come to the rescue to ‘shed light’ on the extent of failing infrastructure.
Read: #ICYMI: Power restored to north eastern suburbs – City Power
Greenberg urged residents to report service delivery concerns to the relevant entities of the City of Johannesburg. “Once residents have exhausted their administrative remedies, councillors are a conduit to escalate their issues should the City officials fail to serve them.
“I urge our residents to keep a paper trail of their interactions with City officials and allow 30 days before escalating them to their councillors as this is a prerequisite from the City.”
Greenberg has set up a website www.ward72joburg.net to provide residents with relevant information and assist them with their queries.
Details: Lionel Greenberg 084 247 7000.
