A week after an initial oversight visit by the mayor’s and premier’s offices to assess service delivery challenges in Germiston, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza returned to the area on September 26 as part of the Mayoral Outreach Programme.

The visit aimed to address long-standing service delivery issues in the area.

The mayor was joined by Members of the Mayoral Committee Sizakele Masuku and Sivuyile Ngodwana, alongside Acting City Manager Tsholofelo Koopedi.

ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni leads in air quality management and public health initiatives

Speaking during the visit, Xhakaza said the programme was about more than visibility, but about listening and responding to challenges directly from those most affected.

“This programme is about understanding the challenges on the ground and experiencing first-hand the service delivery issues.

“We are not just here for visibility but to listen to the workers and residents who deal with these issues daily, and to understand how the city can better support them in addressing these long-standing challenges,” said Xhakaza.

Zama zamas

The mayor began the programme at the zama zama settlement near the N3, where the Primrose CPF and residents raised concerns about the impact of illegal mining on surrounding areas. Xhakaza stressed that the issue required all stakeholders to come together to properly secure old shaft mines and ensure illegal mining activities are stopped permanently.

Driehoek

The second stop was Driehoek, where the focus was on cleaning kerb inlets ahead of the rainy season.

Engineers highlighted concerns about heavy trucks that use the route and worsen the problem of sand spilling into the streets, particularly during rainfall.

ALSO READ: Residents urged to save water as City of Ekurhuleni keeps usage low

Engineers on site proposed permanent solutions, including paving the affected sections to prevent sand wash-offs and improve road safety for motorists and pedestrians.

They added that pavement installation would help prevent soil erosion, minimise sedimentation in stormwater channels, ensure proper water flow, and reduce flood risks.

Camelot substation on Pretoria Road

The mayor then proceeded to the Camelot substation on Pretoria Road, where widespread illegal electricity connections from nearby informal settlements remain a major safety hazard.

Engineers explained that despite repeated disconnections, people continue to reconnect illegally, placing strain on the grid and endangering lives.

One of the proposals under consideration is to relocate access to the substation inside the Camelot complex to restrict entry and reduce tampering.

Ward Councillor Wendy Morgan expressed the frustrations residents face because of the ongoing problem.

“Illegal connections affect residents and also pose a serious risk. Cutting the illegal connections and locking the substation is not enough. We need a permanent solution that will prevent criminals from accessing the substation,” said Morgan.

Primrose Library

Another stop was at the Primrose Library, which has been closed for nearly two years following a fire caused by an air conditioning unit.

ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni reduces water losses through leak repair programme

Although structural damage was minimal, smoke damage has kept the library unusable.

According to library management, delays have persisted because of pending insurance claims. The closure has had a significant impact on learners in the community, with Morgan stressing that at least 10 schools in the area have been directly affected.

“Learners are suffering because they cannot use the library for studying and research. We need urgent intervention to get this facility operational again,” Morgan said.

Illegal gambling

In addition, the EMPD visited an internet café, situated near the library, where illegal gambling activities have been a long-standing issue.

ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni boosts governance and service delivery, says mayor

While EMPD closed the premises during the visit, officers stressed that enforcement alone was not enough.

They called for stronger collaboration with the Gauteng Gambling Board and Liquor Board to address recurring problems with gambling, drug sales, and liquor outlets that repeatedly reopen after being shut down.

“These are challenges in Primrose. For us to see lasting results, other law enforcement and regulatory bodies must come to the table,” said Tracey Enslin, Primrose CPF chairperson.

The mayor committed to following up on these matters with the relevant departments and emphasised that both service delivery and law enforcement must be strengthened to restore community confidence.For Germiston residents, the visit provided an opportunity to be heard, but many say they are waiting to see whether real action will follow.