Make Houghton great
HOUGHTON – LHRA chair Natalie Webb reflects on the highlights and challenges from 2019.
Lower Houghton Residents Association (LHRA) chair Natalie Webb encourages residents in the area to consider joining the association to help improve the area.
Webb said that the association has enjoyed a number of exciting events this year including learning about the history of Houghton with Professor Kathy Munro, exploring the rejuvenated ‘Wilds’ with fellow Houghtonians and seeing the efforts of a few committed residents yield results in driving action against the polyphagous shot-hole-borer (PSHB) crisis.
She highlighted a number of challenges in the area including ageing infrastructure coupled with increased demand due to new residences and apartments resulting in power outages, pipe bursts, traffic jams and accidents, potholes and crumbling roads.
Webb accused the City of withholding pertinent information affecting residents which requires public participation. However, she said that council seems to have heard their discontent regarding the alleged lack of public participation around planning policies and looks forward to engaging more with them in 2020. “We look forward to seeing City of Joburg’s effectiveness improving all around under new leadership to serve the residents of Joburg diligently and perform their duties without prejudice.”
Webb encouraged more residents to join the association. “We live in a diverse neighbourhood and it is challenging communicating the worth and viability of the RA when so few seem to see the need to be invested in their community at large.”
Webb thanks donors, sponsors, stakeholders and residents for their involvement and support in 2019. “We have so much to be grateful for living in Houghton and South Africa. Whilst you relax and reflect on the past year and new year ahead, include some civic-minded actions in your wish list and join us in making our beautiful piece of South Africa great.”
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