Ward 15’s IDP Focuses on Safety, Services, and Infrastructure Revamp
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Residents from several wards across JB Marks Local Municipality gathered at the Madiba Banqueting Halls in Tlokwe last night, 22 May 2025, to attend a crucial community engagement session on the 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget. Among the wards represented, Ward 15, led by Cllr. Madra de Bruin, stood out with a detailed and action-oriented development plan.
Cllr. de Bruin acknowledged the challenges that marred the previous meeting, including cold weather and logistical hiccups, which may have deterred residents from attending. She reassured the community by sharing the updated IDP directly to ensure transparency and accountability.
Key Priorities for Ward 15
The updated IDP for Ward 15 puts a sharp focus on urban safety, infrastructure restoration, and community facility improvements.
Here are the highlights:
1. Urban Safety and Order in the CBD
Installation of high-mast lights to improve visibility.
Enforcement against illegal squatters and unlicensed business operators.
Health & Safety inspections to become a routine.
Holding property owners accountable for housing illegal businesses.
Combatting illegal dumping with active waste monitoring teams.
2. Smoother Traffic and Public Space Control
Reopening Wandellaan as a two-way road to ease congestion and reduce sidewalk trading and squatting.
3. Crime Prevention Measures
Closing alleyways near business areas frequently used by criminals for escape routes toward the taxi rank.
4. Sanitation Improvements
Permanent removal of public toilets at the Departments of Labour and Education to prevent squatting and reduce water leaks.
5. Infrastructure Upgrades
High-mast lighting along the N12 and visible road markings for safety during load shedding.
Traffic calming in Piet Bosman Street due to poor visibility and vehicle volume.
Approval to close unauthorized entry at Soetdoring Street; planning underway with infrastructure stakeholders.
6. Streetlight and Utility Repairs
Lighting improvements in Du Plooy and Wolmarans Streets.
Swift response to water leaks to preserve potable water.
7. Community Facility Management
Fencing off the Potchefstroom swimming pool with controlled, affordable access during the day to reduce noise and night-time disturbances.
Budget allocations for maintaining Uitkoms and Skemering housing complexes.
8. Public Health Monitoring
Routine restaurant inspections across the ward to maintain hygiene standards.
9. Facility Upgrades
Funding application to the Province for a new water pump at the local swimming pool.
10. Environmental By-laws
Finalization of local laws on noise, waste, and air pollution.
Acquisition of noise monitoring equipment for enforcement.
11. Sewer and Stormwater Maintenance
Upgrade of Dyer Street pump station.
Ongoing cleaning and maintenance of sewer lines.
12. Seasonal Maintenance
Winter tree-trimming to prevent summer power disruptions caused by overgrowth.
13. General Law Enforcement
Reinforced routine policing to support safety and compliance throughout Ward 15.
Looking Forward
The turnout and engagement in this year’s session mark a step forward in restoring resident trust and reinforcing civic accountability. Cllr. Madra de Bruin’s direct communication of the updated IDP is a sign of her commitment to ensuring residents remain informed, even when circumstances limit attendance.
The JB Marks Municipality continues to encourage public participation, emphasizing that every voice matters in shaping a safer, more efficient Potchefstroom.
All informations was obtained thorough Wyk 15 Inwoners Inligting WhatsApp Group.
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