MMC vows to tackle service delivery issues in Centurion

Residents in Centurion can look forward to a promising 2025, according to Tshwane’s MMC for Corporate and Shared Services.

This comes as the Lyttelton Sector 2 CPF recently raised urgent concerns regarding the increase in property-related crimes in the area, including house break-ins, wall jumpers and theft.

Daniella Le Roux of the CPF said an incident took place on January 7 when wall jumpers invaded one of the residents’ homes.

“Residents are very concerned about the wall jumpers who come to steal in their homes,” she said.

Ward councillor David Farquharson said the lack of streetlights has made Lyttleton unsafe because criminals take advantage and commit opportunistic crimes.

“The whole of Lyttelton is currently experiencing this issue.”

He said there was a robbery that occurred in December on Livingstone Street where a man who was working on a pavement at one of the houses was attacked.

“The suspects involved knew that the gate would be unlocked, so they barged in with guns and stole stuff.”

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MMC Kholofelo Morodi recently outlined to Rekord some comprehensive plans to address these existing challenges.

In this quest, the MMC plans to address her long-term aspirations for the area.

Morodi noted that non-functioning streetlights in the region were a challenge that needed much addressing, more especially as they influence crime.

To address this, she said resources have been allocated for the repair and maintenance of streetlights to improve safety and visibility in the region.

She emphasised this was a priority for the city, as an increase in lights would help to curb crime in the area.

Another major concern for residents in Region 4 is the presence of sinkholes.

The area has about 50 of these that previously led to road closures, service losses, and even swallowing of homes.

“We are alive to the fact that addressing sinkholes is very expensive,” said Morodi.

She said there is collaboration with emergency services to get assistance from the national government to tackle the issue effectively.

One of Morodi’s other key priorities is infrastructure development, which she identifies as vital for supporting Centurion’s growing population.

“We are focusing on upgrading roads, improving water supply, and enhancing sewage systems to support the growing population of the community,” she said.

This infrastructure strategy aims to facilitate smoother transport, accessible services, and overall better living conditions for residents.

“I am committed to ensuring that our strategies effectively address the needs and challenges of our community.”

Safety and by-law enforcement were also on the cards for the area.

“Addressing safety concerns is a top priority for us. We are implementing measures to reduce crime and enhance community policing.”

She stressed that enhancing by-law enforcement was a priority for Tshwane, as illegal businesses had become a threat to residents and the metro’s finances.

“We also aim to attract investments and support local businesses to boost the regional economy and create job opportunities.”

She highlighted that her initiatives will include assisting businesses in becoming compliant with regulations and encouraging entrepreneurship within the community.

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Morodi’s vision for 2025 also emphasises environmental sustainability.

As Centurion grapples with environmental challenges, the MMC assured residents that environmental sustainability is high on her agenda.

“We are focused on initiatives to preserve green spaces, promote recycling and improve waste management,” she said.

She added that the city is currently tackling issues of illegal dumping and raising community awareness against such practices.

“Enforcing by-laws against offenders is key to protecting our environment and ensuring a cleaner, greener Centurion.”

To ensure that her strategies align with community needs, Morodi emphasised the importance of ongoing engagement with residents.

She added that regular updates and feedback channels will be established to keep residents informed and involved.

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