The gathering commenced from George Lea South Park and was spearheaded by Ward 90 councillor Gordon Mackay, and supported by his ward committee, key players in the community and various city council decision makers.
Addressing delegates, Mackay explained that his ward was an old and established area and as a result, the infrastructure was aged and inadequate for the increasing densification of the area.
This failing infrastructure resulted in ‘water build up’ due to leaking pipes, and road decay, among other problems.
He identified Sandhurst as the biggest problem area in his ward as far as aging infrastructure was concerned. He was also perturbed about service delivery in the area and bylaw enforcement. To give an example, concerning illegal dumping in the park, Mackay said a larger fine needed to be implemented for infringing the stated bylaws for illegal dumping, so that offenders were less likely to repeat the offence.
Delegates took notes as the party of officials walked from the park, into the suburb.
“Council is adopting a more creative approach in addressing problems,” said Region B city council official Vicky Shuping. “We have to move away from the old way of thinking and previous rigid ways of addressing problems to best serve our communities. There is a call for local ward committees, residents associations and residents to be more proactive in maintaining their specific ward,” she said.
The walkabout is a regular initiative to seek solutions to various problem areas in the wards which comprise the Sandton precinct.
Details: gordon.mackay81@gmail.com
