Farmall residents are questioning whether enough is being done to address ongoing service delivery concerns after months of complaints about deteriorating roads, illegal dumping, and inconsistent refuse collection.

Frustrations resurfaced when resident Kirsten Nel voiced her disappointment over what she believes is a lack of action despite repeated complaints to authorities.

“Nothing has been done regarding the state of our roads and the fact that we only get refuse removal every three weeks. Rates and taxes are paid with no service delivery.

Read more: Farmall residents demand answers over roads, refuse, and illegal dumping

There are new developments in the area, new traffic, and still no road upgrades. In the wet season, roads get so bad that people get stuck.

There has been dumping happening ever since the opening of a new compost establishment. Who keeps our roads clean?” she asked.

The latest complaints follow months after Pikitup indicated that plans were being discussed to address waste-related issues in the area. In November last year, Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said the entity was awaiting coordination from the regional office regarding a broader clean-up intervention.

“Pikitup is awaiting a directive from the regional director indicating a date and time for the multi-entity clean-up in the affected area. It is the regional director’s office that can organise all the resources needed to deal with all the issues at the said site.”

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Ward 96 councillor Rufas Maswazi acknowledged that refuse collection challenges continue to affect communities across Johannesburg, citing operational difficulties within Pikitup.

According to Maswazi, landfill capacity constraints have resulted in collection vehicles spending extended periods waiting to offload waste, thereby delaying collection schedules.

“The landfill is full currently, so you find that trucks that are going to the landfill to dump have to wait in long queues,” he said.

Maswazi added that illegal dumping remains a citywide concern and called for stronger enforcement. Road conditions have also remained a longstanding issue for residents, particularly during the rainy season when some roads become difficult to navigate.

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However, in a response issued on May 15, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) head of department for regional operations, Khayalethu Gqibitole, said maintenance programmes are in place to address the condition of gravel roads in Farmall.

“The gravel roads in the area are regularly graded as part of ongoing maintenance. The depot has an established maintenance programme in place to ensure continuous upkeep of these roads,” said Gqibitole.

Maswazi noted that the agricultural zoning of Farmall and neighbouring Chartwell complicates discussions around permanently tarring roads, with residents holding differing views on whether the area’s rural character should be preserved.

Pikitup and Johannesburg Roads Agency were contacted for updated comments regarding the issues. More information will be published once a response is received.

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