The Witpoortjie Recreation Centre was filled with excited residents ready to participate in the ward councillor’s public meeting held on 7 February.
The councillor for Ward 71, René Benjamin, called the meeting to address some of the residents’ burning issues regarding safety, crime, drugs, billing, Pikitup and road safety. The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, councillor Michael Sun; Pikitup’s Regional Manager, Stella Wilson; Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) Operations Manager, Ester Schmidt, as well as some of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) high ranking officers were also in attendance.
She explained to the residents that although she is a ward councillor, she is also a resident of the ward, and faces the same problems on a daily basis. “When you phone me and say you have no water or electricity, I understand your struggle, because I am also affected. Even though I cannot promise you I will be able to sort your problem out, I can assure you I will do what I can, and keep at it until a result is achieved,” she said.
She then introduced the MMC who said he was honoured to be able to attend the meeting and address the many issues experienced by residents. “Ultimately we work for you, and it is an honour for me to be able to take time out of my busy schedule to visit with you,” Michael said. He gave some statistics relating to recent successes achieved by the JMPD K9 Narcotics Unit and assured residents they will do everything in their power to make the neighbourhood a safe one. “I have applied for a budget adjustment, and if it is approved, we will have 1 500 new JMPD officers to ensure your safety,” he said.
Stella Wilson from Pikitup informed residents about the challenges being faced by the entity regarding timely refuse collection because of the ageing vehicle fleet. She also urged residents to not place anything other than household refuse in their bins. “We had an incident recently where a resident placed cement in his bin. This caused damage to the tune of more than R140 000 to the machinery and also left us short of a vehicle for a few days,” she said. Residents were also informed that – although the depot does not have replacement bins currently – damaged or stolen bins will be replaced as soon as possible. “It is important to note that, even though the call centre is informing residents that they will have to pay for a replacement bin, that is not the case. Replacement bins are free of charge,” Wilson said.
Esther Schmidt from JRA walked residents through the process of applying for speed calming measures. “It is important that residents note that ‘speed calming measures’ does not only mean speed humps. There are a number of other options to consider as well. You are welcome to send me your requests via email on eschmidt@jra.org.za,” she said.
Residents were urged to contact the JMPD call centre on 011 758 9650 with any emergencies. Should they be aware of corruption taking place, they can contact the JMPD FraudWatch hotline on 080 020 3712.
Benjamin concluded by saying, “It is encouraging for me, as ward councillor, to see so many residents attending this meeting. It shows they are finally ready to stand up and be part of the solutions to the many problems in the ward.”
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