Elsburg residents call for action to resolve service delivery
"We have become prisoners in our own homes now as we are afraid to leave fearing that they will break in or cable will be stolen. This is no way to live,” said Jacobs.
Residents of Elsburg, particularly those living near an open veld on Baker Road in Estera, are voicing frustrations over ongoing electricity issues and the overgrowth of grass in open spaces behind the hospital.
Despite numerous complaints, the municipality has yet to provide a satisfactory response, leaving residents feeling neglected and unsafe.
Peter Jacobs, a longtime resident, expressed his concern, stating: “The overgrown grass, unkempt open spaces, and continuous cable theft have left us questioning the municipality’s commitment to resolving these issues.”
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Jacobs, who has lived in the area for over 26 years, added that the last three years have been particularly challenging.
“We have become prisoners in our own homes, afraid to leave for fear of break-ins or cable theft.”
Residents claim the once-vibrant neighbourhood, which was once safe for families, has now become a hotspot for crime.
The neglected space behind the hospital has become a haven for criminals who hide there after committing thefts and robberies.
Residents say that stolen cables are often replaced poorly by contractors, with open boxes causing sparks and power outages.
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Alison Williams, another concerned resident, raised the issue of frequent power outages, which she attributes to the theft of cables.
“We’ve suggested securing the infrastructure ourselves, but the municipality won’t allow it,” she said. “If they won’t act, what choice do we have?”
Despite numerous calls to the municipality, residents say their concerns have been largely ignored.
“When you report stolen cables, they take forever to respond,” Jacobs added.
“The calls get closed without addressing the problem.”
Ward councillor Jean Ingram responded to questions regarding the grass-cutting behind the hospital, explaining that recent rains had delayed maintenance but that the parks department had resumed its grass-cutting schedule.
However, she clarified that the land behind the hospital is privately owned, and the municipality is unable to trace the owner.
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As per city policy, maintenance of privately owned land, such as the area behind Medicross, is not the municipality’s responsibility.
This is not the first time the open space has been an issue.
Last November, local residents, supported by AfriForum, conducted a cleanup after the area was left in disarray following the eviction of squatters.
Residents are calling for immediate action to address these issues, particularly the lack of maintenance and security, and demand that local authorities take responsibility for the upkeep of public spaces.
