Upper Rangeview residents hosted a clean-up on September 5, tackling issues including pollution, service delivery failures, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism.

Residents say cable theft and damaged infrastructure have become ongoing concerns, with resident Wouter de Ryter saying the problems date back to March last year. He said the lack of municipal grass-cutting contributes to cable theft and infrastructure damage.

Despite repeated complaints from Ward 22 councillor Devin Nieuwenhuyzen, the problems persist. Some residents have also reportedly been victims of two armed robberies at Appleblaar Street on August 5.

Residents have consequently taken matters into their own hands, using their own resources and equipment to maintain the area, with AfriForum assisting.

Resident Michel Esrich said he regularly cuts grass and cleans the most affected areas.

“Empty bottles of alcohol, litter and snares are common things we find here,” said Esrich. “We try to get the municipality involved, but they never answer.”

Residents also raised concerns about stolen electrical cables, municipal infrastructure and fencing, as well as illegal dumping and invasive vegetation.

The Krugersdorp News contacted Adrian Amod, head of Corporate Communications at the Mogale City Local Municipality, for comment on August 31 at 15:12 and set a deadline of September 3. The News requested confirmation as to whether the municipality was aware of the issues raised – specifically regarding cable theft and illegal dumping in the area – given that residents had informed the news team about these problems before the clean-up operation took place. No response had been received at the time of publication.