Mams residents hand over list of demands

Mamelodi residents marched to Tshwane House last Thursday to voice their worries over possible water contamination at a local reservoir.

They were concerned over stolen metal lids which cover the reservoir, exposing the water inside the reservoir to possible contamination.

Oupa Mtshweni, of Concerned Community for Service Delivery in Mamelodi, said vandalism at the reservoir had been going on for years.

“A major concern is the lack of security guards at the Mamelodi reservoir 4 and the vandalism which had been persistent for more than 10 years,” according to Mtshweni.

He said despite a recent visit by local ward councillors from Mamelodi, the reservoir desperately needed serious attention and that something should be done as soon as possible.

Mtshweni added there were other issues at the reservoir including no access control whether in the form of personnel or systems, valves that are missing or stolen, and the steel stairs had been cut off and removed.

He said the reservoir posed a danger with the valves missing as the pipes could explode at any time which would leave residents of Mamelodi without water for months.

“The health hazards are that anyone could come at any time and pour poison in the water killing all Mamelodi residents at once,” said Mtshweni.

Receiving the memorandum, the Tshwane utility services MMC Daryl Johnson said he had not been made aware of the issue.

Johnson said he was glad that the issue was brought to his attention and promised to visit the site together with his officials and find possible solutions.

The residents also complained about an informal settlement next to the reservoir and claimed the metro has done nothing to remove the land invaders.

Johnson said he was not aware of people living next to the reservoir but said he will also look into it.

“The area around the reservoir needs to be secured,” said Johnson.

Other issues raised included RDP house fraud, water and electricity billing and community members charged for the 2.4-litre bin which was said to be free for everyone.

Mtshweni added sports and recreational facilities needed to be revamped to empower the youth.

He concluded that most streets in Mamelodi needed gravel and demanded proper streets and infrastructure because “when we have heavy rains our yards are flooded with water coming down the street”.

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