More than 200 members of the Rand West City Local Municipality’s Rapid Response Team have been deployed in Bekkersdal as part of a large-scale clean-up operation aimed at tackling illegal dumping and deteriorating public spaces.

The intervention, initiated by Executive Mayor William Matsheke, forms part of an intensified service delivery drive in the area.

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The operation, which began earlier this month, has seen teams remove refuse, clear overgrown areas and rehabilitate neglected public spaces. Some teams have also addressed infrastructure-related issues and assisted vulnerable residents.

Matsheke has been monitoring progress during oversight visits and engaging with workers and community members on the ground.

“This team will continue to champion service delivery in our city. Today is evidence that Rand West City is at work,” he said.

Despite the intervention, some residents said they were not impressed by the initiative. Ntshwareleng Tekengwane and Thato Molipa claimed the municipality was only acting because elections are approaching.

“We cannot praise a fish for swimming. These cleaning initiatives are supposed to be the norm in the community,” said Ntshwareleng.

Matsheke said the Rapid Response Team would continue operating in Bekkersdal in the coming days as part of efforts to create cleaner and safer communities.