Setswetla informal settlement residents have endured years of service delivery failures, marked by decaying roads and what they describe as deliberate inaction from their local councillor.
Now, routine service delivery complaints have become an indictment of systemic neglect, with residents pointing fingers at Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), and Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan.
Florence Mophosho Road, formerly known as Vasco da Gama Road, leading toward the Setswetla Bridge, has become riddled with potholes, strewn with litter, and is frequently eroded by wastewater.
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Residents report that the road’s deterioration has made it impassable for vehicles, forcing motorists to veer into oncoming traffic lanes.
Samuel Seoka, chairperson of the community committee in Setswetla, said the state of Florence Mophosho Road, along with other roads including the far end of Setswetla Road, has worsened over time. “There are no streets. If someone were to die, or get hurt, how will the ambulance pick up that person?”
Committee member Peter Makhuthudisa said Gousblom Crescent is even worse. He noted that although Operation Restore targeted some roads in Alexandra, roads around Setswetla have been neglected, especially Gousblom Crescent, Setswetla Road, and Florence Mophosho Road.
Seoka alleges that committee members have repeatedly engaged with JRA, only to be met with excuses and empty promises. He accused the agency of exploiting the settlement’s lack of strong representation.
At the heart of Setswetla’s grievances is Coogan, whom residents accuse of wilful neglect. Seoka claims Coogan has explicitly stated she will not serve the settlement because they did not vote for her. Committee members said this alleged stance has left the community without advocacy, allowing agencies like JRA to delay interventions.
“These entities, when you communicate with them, they will always tell you, ‘We don’t have power if there is no councillor’. They know the councillor is not here, but they will drag their feet because they know there is nowhere to report them.”
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Coogan, a Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, is active in other parts of her ward. In November 2025, Sandton Chronicle reported that Ward 109 had recorded notable progress, citing the advancement of several public facility projects.
Developments which Coogan, according to the paper, said demonstrate what can be achieved when communities remain engaged and informed. Yet, in Setswetla, she is reportedly absent, which has fuelled accusations of selective service. “In other wards, councillors engage with committee members, but the councillor here does not do that,” Seoka noted.
Alex News sent questions to both JRA and Coogan, and an update will be given once their response is received.
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