‘I am directly answerable to the community’
Newly-elected Ward 34 Councillor, Andrew Akkers, has vowed to put the community first as he assumes office following a landslide victory for the independent candidate in the polls on Wednesday, 28 August.
Cllr Akkers clinched a majority victory in the recent Ward 34 by-elections with an impressive 43% at the polls, securing one of eThekwini Metro’s biggest wards. This outcome signals a dramatic shift among voters and their support for large political parties.
UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) took second place with 19%, the African National Congress (ANC) was third with 18%, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 15%, underlining that Akkers’ two-week campaign resonated strongly with voters, some of whom donated funds, while others gave their time and energy.
When asked how he felt about his win, Cllr Akkers said: “I am grateful to everyone who voted for me as an independent candidate. We did not have much time to mobilise as we only started our campaign two weeks before the election, with no funds, e still managed to win. I say we, because I consider this victory a collective one, it belongs to the people of the ward. Since I do not have any party affiliation, I am directly answerable to the community and will champion their causes without a political agenda. I intend to do everything in my power to make sure that the lives of the people in Ward 34 are uplifted.’’
As the first order of business, Cllr Akkers said he would be tackling the streetlight issue and working with the local municipality to expedite repairs. “Fixing the streetlights will enhance safety and security within the ward. We have some non-functional streetlights, with reference numbers dating back to 2020, which have still not been repaired.”
He explained that this is one of the issues that affects the community across the board. Another issue that he is eager to tackle is the refurbishment of the Firwood Swimming Pool: “I plan on initiating a feasibility study to determine the cost and requirements for repairing the Firwood Road municipal pool, which has been inoperable since 2017. This will include an assessment of the current condition, required repairs, potential upgrades, a timeline, and a budget.
“Our pool was once the hub of our community where families gathered, and it has now been neglected and abandoned. The pool parking lot has become a taxi parking or staging area and the park next to the pool is a haven for drug users and peddlers. I intend engaging with Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies to uphold bylaws and, for more visible policing as drugs and drinking in public, are becoming major concerns in our community.”
While addressing these immediate concerns, Akkers said he is considering long-term plans for the ward’s development and improvement. This includes the establishment of a business forum and infrastructure improvements, including sporting facilities and community programmes. He intends to look into the relocation project, which will see the residents of informal dwellings being provided with their promised RDP housing.
“People were originally moved to certain settlements within Ward 34 and promised housing in return for their votes,” said Akkers, adding that he wants dignity for all.
Residents of Greenwood Park, Effingham, Avoca, Kenville, Sea Cow Lake, and part of Redhill can contact Cllr Akkers on 074 111 3777.
