Poupard promises to push for better services in eThekwini’s Ward 35

NewsSportLifestyleEntertainmentOpinionNewsPoupard promises to push for better services in eThekwini’s Ward 35UmhlangaXolani Dlamini|Published 12 minutes agoCopy to ClipboardAsk AIJacques Poupard.

Newly elected DA Ward 35 councillor Jacques Poupard says he will prioritise water outages, sewage leaks, crime prevention and improved communication with eThekwini officials.

He won the Umhlanga ward after securing an overwhelming victory in Wednesday’s polls. Poupard was voted Ward  35 councillor-elect with more than 16,000 votes.

The councillor-elect said he plans to tackle water outages, crime and sewerage leaks in his ward.

“The water issue in the area and other places in eThekwini is caused by aging infrastructure. I have a good relationship with the superintendent and officials working in water infrastructure and water department. I will use them to ensure that water issues are fix quickly in the area,” he said.

Poupard assured that he would personally communicate with municipal officials to ensure that maintenance is done constantly to reduce water issues in the area.

On tackling sewerage leaks, the councillor-elect said he would use his good relationship with his superintendent in the sewerage department to eradicate any related issues. 

“If there are any issues, I will have them fixed quickly due to the good relationship with leadership in the sewerage department. When it comes to crime, there is a low number of police vehicles deployed in our area due to a lack of a police station. I will push metro police to increase the police visibility in the area,” he said.

Poupard believes that if eThekwini gets a DA mayor his ward would receive more resources to fight crime in the area.

“I will also push for the establishment of police station in the ward to intensify the fight against crime. I will drive the process to ensure it stays on the table. I believe that in the next five years, we will have a functional police station in the ward,” he said.

Poupard plans not to shy away from community issues needing his attention. 

“I plan to be available to residents and also to be persistent in escalating issues that are unable to get results. I have a network WhatsApp group for service delivery, where I post any service updates in the area,” he said. 

Terri MacLarty , chairperson of the Umhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association (URRA), said they respect the democratic outcome of the polls.

“We congratulate the elected councillor. As a ratepayers’ association, our measure of success is the quality of services residents receive. The real test of this election will be whether it brings visible improvements to our community,” she said.

MacLarty expressed that they are hopeful and ready to work constructively with the new councillor. 

“Residents deserve reliable water and electricity, functioning sewerage infrastructure, maintained roads, clean public spaces and consistent enforcement of municipal bylaws. A councillor cannot resolve every problem alone, but must be accessible, actively pursue outstanding issues with municipal departments and report honestly on progress. We expect commitment, follow-through and results,” she said. 

Commenting on the organisation’s plans to hold the new councillor accountable for failure to deliver on promises, MacLarty highlighted that they will seek regular meetings with the councillor, put community priorities in writing and request clear action plans and realistic timeframes.

“We will track commitments and keep residents informed about progress and unresolved matters. Where commitments are not met, we will request explanations and escalate concerns through the appropriate municipal channels. Accountability must be continuous, rather than something that happens only at election time.”

However, she said they acknowledge good work and will speak firmly when residents are let down.

MacLarty advised local residents to begin the work now that elections were over. 

“Whatever your political preference, we share an interest in a safe, clean and properly functioning Umhlanga. Stay involved, report service failures, retain your reference numbers and support organised community efforts. Give the elected councillor the opportunity to serve, while remaining engaged and expecting accountability. Our community is strongest when residents work together beyond party lines,” she said.