Cable theft, overgrown grass leave Rangeview residents vulnerable
Residents have been frustrated for more than 18 months due to non-service delivery issues.
Residents are raising concerns over neglected streetlights and uncut grass in Bell Avenue, which have contributed to infrastructure theft and posed a growing safety risk.
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These issues began 18 months ago, leading to cable theft and infrastructure damage due to a lack of municipal grass-cutting. Despite repeated complaints from Ward 22 councilor Devin Nieuwenhuyzen, the situation has worsened, and one resident has even been the victim of two armed robberies. In response, some residents have taken it upon themselves to maintain the area using their own resources and equipment.
As Rangeview and upper Rangeview are among the highest-paying ratepayers, followed by upper Noordheuwel, they have not received proper municipal services for 18 months,” said Nieuwenhuyzen.
“There is a resident who helped us partner with security companies to monitor public spaces. However, with the grass now too tall, it is difficult to obtain security footage and protect the substation, which has been vandalised multiple times. We are trying to implement measures to assist the municipality, but we receive no support from them,” he added.
The issue of cable theft and overgrown grass extends beyond residential areas and affects much of Mogale City, including large sections of the CBD.
“The CPF is trying to stay vigilant about cable theft, but unfortunately, the municipality cannot secure the cables. They have yet to implement any effective measures, but maintaining visibility in public areas would be a good start,” said a concerned community member.
In response, Mogale City’s Biodiversity Management stated that current human and mechanical resources are insufficient to cover the entire municipality within expected time frames.
“The schedule ensures that all areas are attended to gradually and fairly. Biodiversity Management has also introduced overtime work to help cover more areas, in addition to surplus equipment currently in the procurement process.”
The department reiterated that it prioritises cutting overgrown grass and vegetation in high-risk areas.
“These include traffic intersections, stop signs, and other locations where overgrowth poses safety hazards.
Our goal is to ensure public safety while maintaining a clean and visually appealing environment,” the statement concluded.
