Ward 90 councillor Martin Williams applauds community members for their involvement in uplifting their ward and encourages others to do the same.
Reflecting on 2018 in his ward, Williams listed an unprecedented number of infrastructure improvements and an increase in active citizenship as some highlights.
Significant infrastructure upgrades in his ward included the resurfacing of roads including sections of Jan Smuts Avenue and Oxford Road as well as 6th and Morsim roads in Hyde Park. He also pointed to the extensive work completed on Marlborough and Hamilton avenues in Craighall Park and Cawdor Avenue in Hurlingham.
City Power also implemented extensive re-cabling using aerial bundle connectors in Craighall Park. New mini substations replaced dysfunctional units in Lancaster and Hamilton avenues.
“These are small steps toward overcoming the massive infrastructure backlog, but we are moving in the right direction,” said Williams.
“Active citizenship was visible in the adoption of the Hugh Wyndham Park, A Re Sebetseng clean-ups, and recycling, amongst other activities. In his speech at Dunkeld Bowls Club in August, the Mayor praised our active citizens. He made special mention of the civic-minded folk who have, with permission from City Power, secured the substation at the corner of Hume Road and Northumberland Avenue in Dunkeld West. This is an example which should be replicated elsewhere,” said Williams, who also mentioned the Dunkeld West residents who paid for the speed hump near ‘death corner’ in Dunkeld West.
He listed displaced people as an ongoing challenge in the area. “I am optimistic that we shall make progress at a local level in the year ahead on two fronts. By-law enforcement will improve as the revamped municipal courts become more effective from mid-March 2019, and plans to deal more constructively with waste-pickers will be more advanced,” said Williams.
Williams also said that the Johannesburg Roads Agency has been conducting studies and will resolve the timing of signals amongst other issues at the troublesome intersection of Jan Smuts and Burnside avenues.
“Town planning issues loom large for many residents, especially with the encroachment of high-rise developments in residential areas. While we can’t stop ‘progress’ in our sought after areas, we need to help moderate what is happening,” he said.
Number one on his wish list for the Integrated Development Project is the reconstruction of 3rd Road, Parkmore, which functions as a slip road parallel to Sandton Drive. He also hopes the proposal by residents to adopt Hurlingham Park will be accepted and there will be an increase in awareness about recycling.
Williams wishes residents a restful festive season with their loved ones. “Thank you to everyone who contributed positively. Next year, let’s all get involved. Be an active citizen. Help make your ward a better place.”
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