Norkem Park and Birchleigh North Residents decry service selivery failures
Residents say potholes, broken streetlights and neglected parks remain unresolved, with calls for urgent action and accountability from the City of Ekurhuleni.
Residents of Norkem Park and Birchleigh North continue to voice frustration over persistent service delivery failures, with no visible improvement despite repeated complaints and engagements with the City of Ekurhuleni.
According to Ward 91 Councillor Desmond McKenzie, roads in these areas are riddled with potholes, posing danger to motorists and pedestrians alike.
Streetlights remain non-functional, raising safety and security concerns, while overgrown grass in parks and open spaces has been left unattended, creating environmental and health hazards.
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“What is most concerning is the complete breakdown in communication and accountability from service delivery departments. Residents diligently log service requests, only for the logs to be closed without any work being done.
“This practice has been formally raised in Council meetings and monthly service delivery engagements, yet it continues unchecked. As a result, roads continue to deteriorate, public spaces decline, and residents are left feeling ignored and disrespected,” McKenzie said.
The councillor added that the City, under the leadership of City Manager Kagiso Lerutla, launched a flagship service delivery programme aimed at restoring efficiency, professionalism and fully functional depots, while strengthening frontline service delivery.
However, residents in Birchleigh North and Norkem Park say they have yet to experience any tangible improvement. Departments continue to provide excuses rather than solutions, he said.
Communities cannot be expected to accept empty promises while basic services collapse. Residents are calling for:
• Immediate and visible action on road repairs, streetlighting, and park maintenance
• An end to the practice of closing service logs without resolving issues
• Clear communication and accountability from service delivery departments
• Measurable improvements aligned with the City’s stated service delivery commitments
“Service delivery must move beyond slogans and programmes and translate into real, on-the-ground change for the people of Norkem Park and Birchleigh,” McKenzie added.
Kempton Express reached out to the City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, for comment. At the time of publication, no feedback had been provided.
