The Rand West City Local Municipality’s Rapid Response Team brought service delivery directly to the Glenharvie community from August 31 to September 4.

During this period, the team tackled several maintenance projects to enhance both the appearance and functionality of the area.

This included cutting grass along Driekloof Street to clear overgrowth and create a cleaner, more inviting environment for residents and visitors. The team also carried out road repairs on Tamboerskloof Street to improve travel conditions for residents and motorists.

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These efforts form part of the Rapid Response Team’s ongoing commitment to address service delivery needs directly in communities, ensuring that local infrastructure and public spaces remain well maintained.

Since July, the Ranfontein Herald has tracked the team’s activities, including pothole repairs and illegal dumping removal in Badirile, streetlight and stormwater fixes in Brandvlei, and wastewater and road maintenance in Westergloor.

Despite these efforts, many residents remain sceptical, with several suggesting the upgrades are timed to coincide with elections. Comments range from ‘But isn’t this what the municipality must do?’ to ‘Amazing how much work gets done before elections.’ Others are calling for urgent repairs elsewhere, such as at the Randfontein Cemetery and on Condor Road in Westergloor.

When approached for comment on these claims, RWCLM spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa said it is imperative to understand that the work undertaken by the rapid response unit is distinct from and does not involve any form of electioneering.

• Also read: Rand West City municipality completes key infrastructure repairs in Westergloor

He said the municipality has a long-standing tradition of providing services to communities, and the mayor’s recent initiative was specifically designed to enhance and accelerate the delivery of these essential services.

“In accordance with its mandate, the municipality is committed to delivering vital services to communities it serves, and it is presently executing these duties. Each political party engages in its own distinct electoral campaigns, and these activities are entirely unrelated to the functioning or responsibilities of the municipality.”

Some appreciation has been voiced for maintenance finally beginning in previously neglected areas, but the prevailing sentiment questions whether these interventions are election-driven or part of lasting change.

Give your thoughts by sending an email to randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.