Elandsfontein residents accuse Ekurhuleni of neglect
The GCN has consistently highlighted issues in the area, including high levels of crime, waste backlog, illegal dumping, and sewage problems affecting Sizwe Secondary School.
Elandsfontein residents are raising concerns about deteriorating living conditions and what they describe as continued neglect by the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), citing persistent service delivery failures.
Over time, the GCN has repeatedly highlighted major issues in the area, including rising crime, a backlog in waste removal, widespread illegal dumping, and ongoing sewage problems — some of which are now affecting learners at Sizwe Secondary School.
One of the most pressing concerns is Hattingh Street, which has become increasingly hazardous due to water damage.
Recent repair efforts by the city to fix a water pipe have left the road incomplete and unusable, with a dangerous, exposed hole near the school’s entrance.
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Ward 92 councillor Kade Guerreiro has criticised the city’s response.
“The illegal dumping on Hattingh Street is worsening, and illegal structures continue to be built on what was once a wetland,” he said.
Guerreiro highlighted the growing water infrastructure crisis, with frequent sewage blockages and water shortages. He said that people have illegally tapped into the infrastructure, further straining the system.
“We are now going for days without water. Sanitation is a major issue. Just recently, I was called to a blockage caused by what appeared to be a child or a fetus-like object in the sewage,” he said.
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Guerreiro expressed concern for learners’ safety, warning that the unfinished pipe repair near Sizwe Secondary could result in serious accidents.
“The city left the pipe exposed to the public, making the road impassable and dangerous. That portion is right at the corner of the school — learners are at risk of falling into the excavated area.”
He added that a broader issue lies in the city’s lack of follow-through after infrastructure repairs:
“One department comes to fix a pipe, but another needs to be activated to repair the road. This disjointed approach leaves residents dealing with dangerous, incomplete works.”
Guerreiro said the city’s ageing infrastructure is a major obstacle: “These pipes are old, and at times, even sourcing the right materials to repair them is a challenge.”
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He also raised serious concerns about water quality, saying he wouldn’t recommend drinking the tap water in the area.
Elandsfontein residents also face rampant crime, particularly in the Emabhondeni informal settlement, where murder and illegal electricity connections are a growing threat.
The Hattingh Street substation has reportedly become a hub for illegal power tapping. In response, some residents have begun funding their own community patrols to protect themselves.
“We’ve even seen diesel theft and related crimes, leading to arrests,” said Guerreiro. “The community needs more security support.”
Despite the challenges, Guerreiro believes community collaboration is key. He pointed to Klopperpark as an example of what’s possible when residents work together.
“We urge Elandsfontein residents to do the same — take initiative and help drive positive change.”
The GCN sent a request for comment to the CoE on June 11, seeking clarity on the water and sanitation issues. By the time of publication on June 12, no response had been received.
