Ward 126 to tackle 2014

Ward 126 councillor Mike Tonkin plans to tackle all major problems in his ward before the end of 2014.

According to Tonkin, the current Internal Development Programme (IDP) was approved by the entire ward committee and various residents’ associations in and around the area. “The main purpose of the programme is to address and tackle current issues and problems in Ward 126 before the end of 2014 by putting pressure on the various entities to work together and solve the issues.”

He added that the issues consist of various roads that need upgrades, applications for street lights, and water pipe infrastructure upgrades. The first problem – or rather solution – is the doubling of J.G Strydom Road that will run from Harebell Street to John Vorster Road.

“These arterial roads are too narrow at certain places which cause a bottleneck effect that aids in traffic jams. Not only are these roads a concern but Jim Fouché Road from Beyers Naudé Drive to Without Avenue also needs to be widened. Applications for the installation of traffic lights were also submitted because of the frequent accidents that occur at these intersections.” He added that J.G Strydom and John Vorster roads as well as Lobelia and Dale Lace avenues, will have to be resurfaced due to a lack of maintenance by the Johannesburg Roads Agency.

“A slip stream will also be installed on John Vorster Road to ease traffic flow in the area,” he added. Not only will these various roads be upgraded but water pipe infrastructure will be looked at. “Water pipes will need to be upgraded due to the incidents of bursts caused by ageing infrastructure on Fern, Moss and Vale roads in Weltevreden Park.”

Tonkin concluded that he will arrange meetings with the Johannesburg Roads Agency and Joburg Water to discuss these issues. He will revert to residents in Ward 126 as soon as he has more details about when these upgrades are going to take place.

Details: Ward 126 councillor 082 564 0160