Gatvol protest: The five major service delivery issues

The Randfontein, Toekomsrus, Mohlakeng and Finsbury communities recently gathered in front of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWLM) building to protest against service delivery.

• Read initial article here: Gatvol! Town’s residents unite against lack of service delivery

Resident André Pretorius explained they planned the public protest with a march, but at the last minute, they were informed they were not allowed to continue. He added that they, however, did not receive a cancellation letter, so instead, they decided to change their strategy and protest in front of the municipal building. He added that the Toekomsrus and Mohlakeng communities asked to join the protest as they are also struggling with the same issues.

Members of the community also handed over a ‘The memorandum by the disgruntled and aggrieved residents and taxpayers of Randfontein’ memorandum where they demanded the five service delivery issues they are facing be attended to.

Pretorius, who drafted the memorandum, stated the service delivery issues include the supply of power and water, maintenance of roads and public places, as well as sewage, which he noted is running through people’s houses and people drive through it. In the memorandum, they also stated that the RWLM has seven working days to remedy the issues.

RWCLM has to supply us with a list of things they need to complete the repairs by day seven.

“If no communication or no work is being done by day eight, we would apply for an application to compel,” he said.

• Also read: Mayor responds to ‘Gatvol’ protest

Pretorius continued that they are also handing over a petition with 3 500 signatures, which they gathered over three weeks. With the protest, they hoped to get a reaction from the municipality.

“We hope the RWCLM will communicate what the plan is for the future to ensure the town is in good condition. We also hope to determine where the money goes that residents pay for service delivery.”