As service delivery failures persist across the area, Alberton residents are expressing frustration after the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) warned citizens not to repair municipal infrastructure.

Ward 106 Clr Tim Denny spoke out outside the Alberton Police Station, a central point in the community, highlighting the state of local roads.

“This road has been like this for two and a half years. There are 37 potholes on a hilly stretch of just 90m.
“How are we supposed to continue like this in Alberton when the CoE almost forces us to fix our own environment?

@albertonrecordAs service delivery failures persist across the area, Alberton residents are expressing frustration after the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) warned citizens not to repair municipal infrastructure. Ward 106 Clr Tim Denny spoke out outside the Alberton Police Station, a central point in the community, highlighting the state of local roads. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

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“Ekurhuleni, stop treating us like criminals and start giving us service. The area outside the Alberton Police Station looks horrendous,” said Denny.

The councillor’s response follows the city’s warning, which prohibits residents from altering or repairing municipal infrastructure and public property.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said, “Residents must not attempt to repair potholes, connect or disconnect electricity, fix water leaks on the municipal side, clear blocked stormwater drains, or tamper with municipal assets. These are the responsibility of authorised officials.”

No action from CoE

Residents say they often report issues such as sewage blockages, potholes, water leaks, and blocked drains, but frequently see little action.

Pierre Coetzee, an Alberton resident, shared a video on Facebook showing the entire intersection of Assegaai and Marilyn Road, Brackendowns, full of potholes.

“I reported this issue two years ago, and nothing happened until recently. Residents shouldn’t have to do this work themselves, but when nothing gets fixed, a small pothole worsens. Our vehicles take a toll, and nothing is done,” he said.

Garfield Venter, owner of React24 Security, also criticised the city for threatening residents who try to help themselves.

“I find it absolutely disgraceful that the CoE resorts to threats against residents for fixing potholes, which is the responsibility of the council, not residents. If residents want to keep their suburbs tidy and safe, then they should be allowed to do repairs to the streets the council is too useless to maintain,” he said.

In January this year, Garfield organised a pothole-fixing initiative in Mayberry Park after becoming frustrated with the lack of action from the authorities.

Residents began filling potholes with tar using their own money and resources, highlighting growing frustration over persistent service delivery failures.

Partnership is the answer

Ward 38 Clr Thavha Maifala-Masebe added, “The city should consider partnering with residents who can fix potholes.

“As a ward councillor and resident, I know the municipality would benefit from healthy partnerships, especially since the city cannot address all issues quickly. They should encourage collaboration rather than issue warnings.”

Residents hope the CoE will reconsider its approach, focusing on cooperation rather than restrictions, as frustrations continue over long-standing service delivery problems.

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