The Ward 51 office in Kariega has relocated to the heart of its community. Now situated at 2 Couldridge Crescent, Janssensdal, at the former Jakaranda tennis clubhouse, it is more centralised, spacious, professional and offers ample parking.
Ward 51 councillor Roelf Basson said, “It is a new start. I am relatively new to the ward. It is a new office and there is a renewed energy to serve residents to the best of our abilities.
“One of the aspects that I am excited about is the new operations boardroom. It will be equipped with enlarged maps of the entire ward and will be used to pin electrical, water, refuse collection and other issues. This will give us a birds-eye view of problem areas concerning the whole spectrum of service delivery,” said Basson.
According to him a decision was made during the time when the DA reigned, that ward offices should rather be accommodated at municipal properties to save costs.
“Former Ward councillor Pieter Terblanche then identified the Jakaranda tennis clubhouse as an ideal office for Ward 51. So, we wish to acknowledge Pieter for his foresightedness. It was a good decision. We also wish to thank the various municipal departments involved for fixing the premises,” said Basson.
Since the tennis club stopped operating years ago, the building and courts were gradually vandalised, and the clubhouse was set alight.
“It was an eyesore and a huge matter of concern for residents as these premises were known for criminal activities. But, together with the construction and revamping of the building, trees and shrubs were cut and trimmed, and the old tennis courts were also tackled to remove the vegetation and rubble.
“The ambience of this area has changed for the better. The courts may not be suitable for a game of tennis again, but we are putting our heads together on how these courts could be utilized again in some or other positive way,” said Basson.
According to Marius Roach operational officer from the Ward 51 office, the venture to rebuild and reuse the once dilapidated club house and change it into a ward councillor office symbolises their refreshed efforts as a team to continue to improve their abilities in serving residents of the ward.
“What I am excited about is Roelf’s plan of the enlarged map of the entire ward pasted on the wall of the operations room. Continuously pinning reported municipal service delivery issues on the map will assist us in identifying projects for Ward 51’s next Integrated Development Plan (IDP) budget,” said Roach.
Melinda Ferreira, Ward 51 secretary and office manager, said they receive very positive feedback from residents. “The environment is much more user friendly and professional. We feel at home in the heart of the community.”
The office moved from Church Street, Penford, to the new premises at the corner of Couldridge Crescent and North Street. The office’s contact numbers remain the same and are available on landline as well as WhatsApp: 041 922 7816 or 041 922 7815; email: ward51@mandelametro.gov.za; Facebook: Ward 51 Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
