THE COUNCILLOR SPEAKS ON THE ISSUES
get good returns on their investment. The roads in the CBD are in good condition and water and electricity supply is fairly reliable. Power outages have been rare. Developers are contributing to new infrastructure around their developments. A problem is they link to old infrastructure and that is when we experience burst water pipes and blockages.
Q. Does the area have problems with illegal buildings and noise complaints?
A. There are no illegal buildings and all developments have approved plans.
There are noise complaints from time to time from some residents who live near buildings under construction. Fines have been issued for violations to the permitted building times.
Q. What is your opinion on the mayor’s pledge to fix up north suburb infrustructure?
A. I think we still have a long way to go before the infrastructure is up to international standards. Roads do not have bus lanes and taxi’s stop and at etimes park in the street adding to congestion. Pavements are narrow and some street lights are not working. Street lights are not repaired for weeks and every time there is rain many of the traf-
fic lights stop working.
Q. How have the recent power outages afflicted your ward?
A. Sandton CBD has been fortunate not to experience a serious outage. But the suburbs around Sandton were hit. Fortunately most outages were for about only three hours.
Q. What would attract residents and businesses and what’s unattractive in the area?
A. The Sandton CBD is the economic hub of the country. We have some of the best hotels in the world, the JSE, major law firms and multinationals in the CBD. It would be good to have visible policing. Informal traders plying their trade in the business district is an eyesore.
Q. What complaints have you dealt with and what is the most annoying?
A. Most relate to noise on construction sites at night. I also have complaints regarding traffic congestion.
Q. Is crime an issue?
A. Crime is always an issue. In the Sandton CBD crime is much lower than in the suburbs. Residents in the ward pay a premium for added security and there are numerous security companies operating in the area.