Ward 10 Councillor Rick Crouch reports back to residents of the community on what has been happening in the area.
A number of roads in Kloof have been resurfaced since the beginning of the year, including Abelia, Pioneer and Old Main Roads. “I am pleased with the upgrading that has been completed thus far,” said Crouch. “I know that in some cases the upgrading has taken longer than intended, largely due to unforeseen engineering requirements and a lack of availability of certain raw materials in the market, but the results are pleasing.
The transfer of the Willingdon Road sub-station from Transnet to eThekwini is almost complete. The property has been purchased for the Electricity Department for a new 132/11 kV sub-station serving Kloof.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Councillor Crouch has been able to get money allocated for the maintenance and repair of the Kloof Town Hall. “Anyone who drives past this hall would have noticed that it is in a very poor state,” said Crouch. “That’s why I approached the Parks Department to conduct the repairs.”
The head of Parks in the Outer West has assured Crouch that the hall will now be given much more attention.
The railway line through Kloof has long been considered a security risk by members of the community. After six months of trying to get Transnet to take responsibility for the railway line, Crouch finally facilitated a meeting with Transnet, SAPS, Metro Police and the Durban Safer Cities division. It was agreed that there would be coordinated anti-crime operations on the railway line. These operations are proceeding well and providing good results.
Stockville Road will be getting a much needed upgrade over the next two years, following a budgetary allocation of R3m towards the project. “This project is going to cause traffic problems for those residents that use Stockville Road to get to the N3, as there will be lane closures,” said Crouch. He has, however, committed to keeping residents updated in this regard.
Councillor Crouch has been successful in getting the Health Department to engage the property owner of the informal settlement with regards to the health issues related to the lack of toilet facilities on the property.
The new shopping centre on the site of the Gillitts Hardware has been held up by a dispute with SANRAL. Hopefully it will be resolved soon and the development can go ahead.
Finding a permanent resolution for the historic Gillitts railway station is an ongoing issue for Crouch. “I am engaging with the owner, Transnet, regularly about this property, but for their own internal reasons, no solution has been forthcoming.”
HIGHWAY HEROS
At the beginning of the year, Rick Crouch instituted an award to recognise the contributions being made by local residents and organisations to community development.
“There are so many people who selflessly give their time and resources to the community,” said Crouch. “These people are seldom thanked for this task and whilst it is but a small gesture to recognise and acknowledge what these people do, it will hopefully encourage others to do the same.”
Six awards have already been made. To nominate someone, complete the online nomination form here.
Residents of Ward 10 can visit Crouch’s website at www.ward10.co.za for regular updates on local news and information on municipal policies. You can also sign up for his regular electronic newsletters. Rick’s email address is councillor@ward10.co.za.