Dear Ward 70 Residents and Stakeholders
As we approach the end of another year it is always an opportunity to reflect and be grateful for that which went well and appreciative for that which did not go well but through which we learnt valuable lessons.
Among the many good things that happened in the ward was the installation of new lifts at the Donovan McDonald Old Age Home, the resuming of work on the Florida Clinic, the resuming of work on the Fleurhof Substation, the launch of the mobile clinic service in Fleurhof, the installation of LED streetlights on major arterials, expanded maintenance, securing and repair of our electrical substations and the extension of operating hours at the Florida Library, among others.
Whilst celebrating the successes we must always be cognisant of the many challenges we face, including the decay of the Florida CBD and the area around Florida Lake (among other sections), the lack of electrical capacity affecting the allocation of housing units in Fleurhof, by-law enforcement issues, the severe vandalism of our electrical network, especially along Main Reef Road, delays in the upgrading of the Roodepoort Rugby Club informal settlement, illegal dumping and the delays in opening the Mini Mall and the Displaced Persons Shelter both next to the Florida Taxi Rank, among others.
I am most grateful to the Florida CPF, neighbourhood watches, residents forums, community organizations, NGOs and volunteers who continue to work tirelessly in their efforts to serve the community and fight against the challenges that face us, whilst they are too many to name individually, I am often touched by the sincerity and dedication of these individuals who keep our ward alive and well without any remuneration. My sincere appreciation also goes to the Ward Committee who continue to assist in many ways across the ward.
I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the many City of Johannesburg officials who go the extra mile to assist in the ward; your efforts are noticed and appreciated. Thank you for embracing #ServiceWithPride
The second half of this year saw many health-related challenges coming my way and I wish to sincerely thank you all for your concern and support. Thank you as well to councillors Ingrid Reinten, David Dewes and Gert Niemand for dealing with urgent matters in the ward whilst I was recovering.
May this Christmas bring much joy, peace and happiness, may it be a time to reach out to loved ones and to catch our breath. May I also encourage us all to keep an eye out for those who are lonely during this time; this time of the year whilst a happy time for many is also a difficult time for some, so reach out and care for those around us. Ubuntu is a pre-requisite for us to succeed as a ward and as a country.
The coming year will require much work from all role players and every resident in the ward to ensure that we rise to the challenge and deliver in the best interest of all those residing and working in this beautiful ward. Let us start by taking charge of our immediate surroundings, let’s find ways of keeping it clean and tackling challenges that exist in that space. The smallest of streams eventually flow into the biggest of rivers, so let the streams begin …
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and an awesome 2020!
Councillor Caleb Finn
