The local government elections are around the bend and political parties are in the election mood. Some of the candidates have no track record or experience in local government functions.
The role of the ward councillors as elected by the community during local government elections is the accounting person for the ward and must have the experience and be responsible and adhere to the councillor’s code of conduct.
They are the people the residents can complain to about service delivery issues like streetlights, unkempt verges, potholes, speed-humps, illegal dumping, road signage and tarred roads. They also include public service like clinics, police, hospitals, electricity and water departments. Once elected councillors have an obligation to have regular meetings with the residents to listen to their complaints and concerns and to present a pre-budget that is allocated to the ward councillor annually.
The time has come for us to stop being taken for granted. No more pushing us away and ignoring issues at the very heart of the community.
We pay them and we must hold them accountable. We must stop being complacent and accept poor service delivery in all its forms as normal. We need councillors to forge a partnership with us to ensure we work towards a better improved ward for everyone. Therefore, it’s important to vote for the most competent candidate with the relevant experience and trust you have in them to represent your ward as your councillor so that they can be available whenever you call them for assistance.
Vivian Pillay
