How the Glenwood/Bulwer Ratepayers Association is transforming service delivery

The Glenwood/Bulwer Ratepayers and Residents Association (GBRRA) is hoping to improve service delivery in the suburb following a meeting with municipal officials on Wednesday. 

The eThekwini municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba, said that he met with the executive of the GBRRA to strengthen relations and share ideas on how the city can optimise service delivery in the area.

Xaba said that the association developed a number of innovative solutions, including the recruitment of volunteers to clean public spaces and the use of technology to monitor service delivery.

“We commended the association for being proactive in keeping the area clean. Follow-up engagements will be held with the association to explore areas of collaboration,” he said. 

Heather Rorick Roos, the chairperson of GBRRA, described the meeting as productive and a win for the ratepayers. She said pertinent issues were raised with Xaba and municipal officials in attendance. 

“Our association is focused on uplifting the community by working with the relevant municipal departments to improve service delivery.  We are working with what we have and improving on it. Where we have problems, we have found solutions. We want to form a symbiotic relationship,” she said. 

Roos explained that the ratepayers would like to be apprised of upcoming community projects  and infrastructure developments so that they could also provide some input and suggestions.

“The ratepayers live here and should be informed about what is happening in the area and how it would benefit the community. We can also learn to understand the challenges the municipality faces. We seek to improve the communication levels with the municipality,” she said. 

Roos said they wanted a safe community with basic service delivery timeously. The GBRRA serves as a collective voice for ratepayers, working to achieve common goals and address concerns related to rates and services.

“The association will organise meetings and public forums to gather input, share concerns, and discuss potential solutions. By fostering a sense of community, the association creates a platform for rate payers to voice their opinions and collaborate on common issues,” she said. 

The GBRRA will undertake community initiatives, for example, designated community helpers, organising educational workshops, promoting energy efficiency programs, supporting affordability initiatives, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and helping promote a safer community.

Roos said that the GBRRA has access to over 60 other associations from across KwaZulu-Natal with many of these making an actual change in their communities.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za