Letter: Ekurhuleni residents question service delivery as streets deteriorate
“Ekurhuleni suddenly finds R1.7 billion for Eskom, yet our streets, storm drains, and public spaces continue to fall apart. Residents are paying for basic services ,so why aren’t we seeing them?”
EDITOR – The City of Ekurhuleni can suddenly pay R1.7 billion to Eskom, yet basic service delivery in many areas continues to deteriorate.
Street lights remain broken for months, potholes go unrepaired, and grass along roads and pavements grows out of control.
Stormwater drains are often blocked and overgrown.
When pipes burst, the situation is frequently handled poorly. Holes are simply covered again, leaving behind mud, sand and damaged surfaces, with little to no proper clean-up or restoration.
In many cases, streets and pavements are left in a worse condition than before.
Residents pay their rates and taxes every month, and municipal workers receive their salaries.
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No one is asking for miracles, only that those responsible take pride in the work they are paid to do.
Is it really too much to expect clean streets, maintained infrastructure and proper restoration after repairs?
Ekurhuleni has the people, the resources and the budget.
What residents want to know is simple: where is the pride, accountability and basic service delivery our communities deserve?
Public representatives, such as Democratic Alliance councillor Jaco Terblanche, are often quick to invite residents to sign petitions or engage at information tables in shopping centres.
Communities are asked to support campaigns, but what tangible results follow?
When I raised concerns about potholes in Glen Marais, I was told the municipality is “waiting for tar”.
This is difficult to accept, given the long-standing poor condition of the roads in the area.
Residents continue to report the same issues, including concerns about incomplete repairs following water pipe work.
Signing petitions and holding public engagements means little if conditions in neighbourhoods such as Glen Marais remain unchanged months later.
John Wright
Editor’s comment: The Kempton Express requested comment from the City of Ekurhuleni by March 27.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
