‘We are suffocating in filth’ – Angry Katlehong residents

Residents of Moshoeshoe Section told Kathorus MAIL they have had to resort to appealing to local businesses and concerned residents to fund cleaning campaigns to keep the environment clean.

They said despite several complaints to their ward councillors, the situation in most parts of the township has worsened.

According to residents, one of the sports grounds, popularly known as Ground Four, in Moshoeshoe Section has become unusable due to the overwhelming overgrowth of shrubs and domestic garbage strewn all over.

“Many sporting events were hosted at these sporting grounds, which provided the youth with a recreational facility. But, today, just look at it,” said a member of the section committee that has worked hand in hand with the members of the community to deal with the problem.

Residents complain the sports field has now also become a den for thieves and drug addicts, who use it as a hiding spot to terrorise residents.

“We fear that sooner or later this situation could lead to serious problems for the residents,” said a member of the Mosjoeshoe Section Committee (MSC).

Residents also feel it is a matter of time before tragedy strikes, especially among schoolchildren who use the field.

“We have done everything we could to report this issue to the municipality. We’ve received nothing but excuses and empty promises,” said the MSC.

Neighbours told Kathorus MAIL they are prepared to clean the area themselves.

“We’ve even asked them (municipality) to provide us with the necessary implements, such as a grader to scrape the field and clean the area. That is how much we are prepared to sacrifice ourselves to prove to the municipality we are serious.”

A spokesperson for the MSC said the community was actually surprised the municipality has several service departments allocated to what they believe are the same responsibilities.

Ward councillor Vuyani Ngwenya admitted there is an issue with service delivery, but pointed out the problem is beyond his control.

“I am aware of the problem and have also engaged with the community regarding the issue,” said Ngwenya.

In Dikole Section, residents of Ward 101 recent launched their own cleaning campaign with assistance from the City of Ekurhuleni following frustrations over health concerns raised by locals regarding elderly citizens.

The revival of the cleaning campaign was prompted by the illegal dumping at the open space along 6th Avenue Street. Illegal dumping worsened after Karabo Kodisang, who used to keep the space clean, left late last year.

One of the people who took part in the initiative is Nonhlanhla Mondlie, who has taken part in many cleaning campaigns in different districts within the community. She said the campaign was initiated by Lerato Makutso after realising the illegal dumping sites are an invitation to rats, which eventually affect residents in their households.

Mondlie said they were also concerned about their health. They mobilised community members to help with the clean-up and sourced food donations from local businesses for the volunteers.

They have cleaned key areas in various districts within the ward, on roads used by schoolchildren and near play areas. Several local residents assisted with cleaning, including 12 young local artists.

Councillor coordinator Mandla Gontseng told Kathorus MAIL they were aware of the problems raised by residents, but added the frontline for all complaints is the municipal office in Katlehong.

“The customer service centre at the local municipal officers should be able to provide answers to the issue affecting Katlehong residents.”

Gontseng urged residents to be patient and promised ward councillors will do everything in their power to ensure community complaints are passed on to the relevant municipality departments to deal with the issues.