Henley Herald

Independent Verified Community News, Business, Events, Wellness, Gardens, and People in Henley on Klip, South Africa

Councillor’s Corner: January 2025

by Tony Dickinson

2024 was a difficult year for many, with the lack of rain, collapsing economy, ongoing retrenchments, and general uncertainty. I am not sure that 2025 will be much better. Predictions of an uptick in the economy might make us feel better, but it won’t filter through to our pockets for a while. 

The late summer rains, while being very welcome, have brought with them the perennial problems of potholes, stormwater drain blockages, and possible river flooding. The ever-increasing number of potholes should in many cases require a resurfacing of the road; however, due to budget limitations, they can only be repaired. 

A twenty-year future plan for roads and stormwater drainage in Midvaal has been completed. It appears that an amount of R1.5 billion will be required to bring these up to an acceptable standard. This is equal to Midvaal’s total annual budget. Where and how the money is spent is dependent on grant funding from the province and government as well as long-term borrowing. The final decision is made by the mayor and his MMCs. 

A by-election takes place in Ward 1 in Midvaal on the 5th of February due to the untimely death of the sitting councillor. Ward 1 covers a very large area east of Vereeniging towards Villiers and includes Vaal Dam. 

Many residents are putting out their refuse bags on days before collection. The result is that dogs and vagrants rip the bags and empty the litter onto the pavements. Not only does this leave our pavements filthy, but the cost of cleaning up is exorbitant. Please put your refuse out on a Thursday morning in a suitable plastic bag. 

The bottle banks are a private initiative for the collection of bottles and glass, which should be placed into the container and not dumped alongside it in plastic bags and cardboard boxes. The dumping is an eyesore for residents, particularly those in close proximity to the containers, so please respect your fellow Henleyites and do the right thing. 

The Oval Park gym and children’s playground equipment and the basketball practice court have been a resounding success. Unfortunately, a few people spoil the fun for everyone… Adults have been playing on the children’s swings and breaking them while youngsters are sitting on benches under the trees drinking alcohol and leaving smashed bottles lying around. This behaviour is unacceptable and is very difficult to monitor without putting in full-time security. 

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