MMC provides mixed results in Centurion service delivery efforts

After setting out a bold vision earlier this year for better service delivery in Centurion, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, has provided a detailed update, reflecting on both the progress made and the challenges that persist.

Speaking to Rekord, the MMC stated that since January 1, the Region 4 water distribution unit has received 3 301 complaints, of which 3 168 have been resolved.

She said that 133 of these complaints remain outstanding.

On the sanitation front, she reported that of the 1 577 sewer blockage complaints received, 1 558 have already been resolved, with the region achieving an average response time of just one day.

“For sewer-related issues, the target is to resolve 70% of complaints within 48 hours. Region 4 is currently exceeding this target, with a 73% response rate,” said Morodi.

However, she acknowledged that water leak response times are still below target, noting that the current target is to respond to 50% of water leak complaints within 48 hours.

“At present, 43% of complaints are being addressed within this timeframe.”

Despite this reported progress, water leaks continue to plague residents of Ward 69.

On May 16, another leak occurred at the corner of Hyde Avenue and Janet Road in Eldoraigne.

Metro teams were dispatched the following day, but water was cut off to much of the area.

That same evening, residents at the corner of Saxby and Cradock avenues experienced low water pressure, only to face another supply cut on May 18.

The latest incidents follow similar disruptions in March, when many residents endured nearly two weeks without water.

Ward 69 Councillor Cindy Billson has consistently raised concerns over delayed responses from the metro.

In March, she stated that a leak on Ireland Avenue in Eldoraigne was reported in January but was only fixed in mid-March.

“Even when some of the water leaks do get fixed, the reinstatement of the pavement or road remains a problem,” she said.

Streetlight repairs, a key concern for many residents in Centurion, have also received attention.

Morodi said three dedicated teams are currently deployed to maintain streetlights across the region’s 12 wards.

She added that the city has implemented a maintenance schedule shared with ward councillors to improve accountability and tracking.

However, she acknowledged the challenge posed by rampant vandalism and theft.

“One of the challenges facing the streetlight teams is the high level of theft and vandalism,” she said.

“However, it is encouraging that some communities have come forward to partner with the city in the form of community upliftment programmes.”

To combat power outages linked to cable theft, the MMC explained that more than 25 hotspot areas have been identified across Region 4.

She said the metro is deploying grass-cutting teams to improve visibility in those areas and reduce the risk of theft.

“We rely on the efforts of the cable theft teams to patrol hotspot areas,” she said.

She added that collaboration with community policing forums and private security companies is also proving effective.

“The progress has been encouraging because communities are also partnering with the city through the community upliftment programme in this regard.”

In Ward 64, pothole repair remains an ongoing task.

Morodi revealed that since January 1, 217 pothole-related service requests were logged, and 104 of these have been completed.

For residents and motorists, however, the problem remains severe.

Brandon Muller, a resident who drives through Rooihuiskraal Road daily, said the situation is becoming increasingly unbearable.

“There are potholes almost every few metres on some of the roads in the ward,” he said.

“I’ve had to realign my car’s wheels twice in the last two months because of the damage. It’s costing us more than it should just to maintain our vehicles.”

Ashley Barnard, another motorist who regularly commutes in the area, said the potholes not only slow down traffic but also create dangerous driving conditions.

“It feels like you’re playing a game of dodge the hole every time you leave your house,” Barnard said.

Morodi said the city is aiming to respond to 60% of potholes that present an immediate danger within two days, while other service delivery targets include repainting road markings and fixing traffic signage within 21 days.

“In Region 4, service delivery targets are guided by established norms and standards to ensure timely and effective responses,” she explained.

“Progress is tracked through the IBIS system on a monthly basis.”

While some improvements fall under routine maintenance, Morodi clarified that larger infrastructure upgrades such as road improvements, water supply expansion, and sewage system upgrades are part of the city’s capital expenditure (CapEx) plans and budget-linked integrated development planning (IDP).

On bylaw enforcement, she noted that the metro has stepped up operations, particularly to address derelict buildings and illegal dumping.

“The region is working with different city departments to conduct unannounced bylaw enforcement.

“Recent operations took place on January 10 in Ward 61 and on April 4 in Ward 48,” said Morodi.

She described these actions as part of Tshwane’s broader efforts to enhance safety and environmental cleanliness.

The MMC also confirmed that the city holds regional councillor forum meetings every two months and quarterly ward public meetings to keep residents informed and improve transparency and communication.

“These engagements allow us to update councillors and residents on various service delivery concerns,” she said.

Morodi first outlined her vision in January, including plans to tackle infrastructure, safety and environmental issues.

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