Service delivery blitz barely scratches the surface, says ward councillors

The Ward 44 councillor has criticised the metro for failing to address persistent service delivery issues in her ward, despite recent efforts under the Region 6 service delivery blitz, led by MMC and Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise.

The recent blitz saw stormwater drains cleared on Atterbury Road and tree pruning on Selikats Causeway in Faerie Glen.

However, Samantha de la Rey said the efforts did not adequately address the broader and more pressing service delivery challenges residents face daily.

“While I appreciate the initiatives highlighted by MMC Modise, we still have serious concerns such as potholes, sewage overflows, persistent power outages, and unattended water leaks,” she said.

De la Rey expressed frustration with the metro’s lack of urgency in resurfacing roads following water leak repairs, citing multiple sites in Ward 44 that remain open and hazardous for extended periods.

She warned that such delays worsen road conditions and pose risks to motorists.

She also raised alarm over weekly sewer overflows, particularly on the Olympus side of the ward, calling it a serious public health concern and evidence of failing infrastructure maintenance.

“This not only undermines public health and safety, but highlights ongoing inefficiencies in infrastructure maintenance,” she said.

In Faerie Glen, De la Rey said unscheduled and prolonged power outages have become unbearable, affecting both residents and businesses.

“These disruptions have become routine, yet there has been little progress in implementing lasting, transparent solutions.”

She added that non-functioning streetlights on three key roads, Cliffendale Drive, Selikats Causeway, and Manitoba Drive, were leaving entire areas dangerously dark at night, making them hotspots for crime.

“Public lighting must be treated as a critical priority for Ward 44, not an afterthought,” she said.

Calling for a shift in strategy, De la Rey said isolated efforts are welcome, but they are not enough.

“Residents require a more consistent, integrated, and proactive approach to service delivery. It is essential that we move beyond reactive maintenance and symbolic gestures toward long-term, sustainable improvements that restore confidence and meet the real needs of our communities.”

Ward 83 Councillor Andrew Lesch shared the same sentiments.

He said in his ward, service is no better. He, however, acknowledged that there has been improvement when it comes to power outages.

Lesch said water leaks that had been reported 8-10 days ago have not been repaired or replaced.

“I’m sitting with, I think, 10 or 11 black fillings in my ward. They’re not being done regardless of my numerous follow-ups with the metro,” he said.

He added that at least three of the leaks, which were fixed over a month ago, have still not been properly backfilled.

Lesch said he follows up on these issues, but nothing is being done.

“Last year, there was a water leak that damaged a stormwater drain in Constantia Park. That one has also not been fixed yet,” he said.

He also noted that recently, the metro claimed it had carried out grass cutting in many streets in Constantia Park, but he did not see any evidence of it.

“Same with potholes, they tell the residents that they fixed them, but no filling was done,” Lesch said.

Modise said the Region 6 blitz forms part of a broader urban renewal campaign, aimed at restoring critical infrastructure and improving hygiene, ahead of the rainy season.

“The interventions carried out are not merely routine maintenance; they represent a proactive, people-centred approach to urban management,” Modise explained.

He listed various completed projects during the blitz week, including pothole repairs, grass cutting, and stormwater clearing in areas such as Erasmuskloof, Mamelodi, Faerie Glen, Garsfontein, Moreleta Park, and Trevor Gething Street.

“In Faerie Glen alone, Selikats Causeway received tree pruning for pedestrian safety, and Old Farm Road was cleared of overgrown grass to improve visibility and public safety,” Modise said.

He stressed that every pothole repaired and every drain cleared is part of building a more resilient Region 6.

“This focused week of service delivery underscores the city’s commitment to responsive urban governance. We thank residents for their continued support and cooperation,” he added.

He said the final operations for the week included grass-cutting along Old Farm Road in Faerie Glen and at Kubone Open Space in Mamelodi (Ward 67), contributing to safer, greener, and more welcoming public spaces.

“This focused week of service delivery underscores the city’s commitment to responsive urban governance,” explained Modise.

He said each pothole filled, tree trimmed, and stormwater drain cleared contributes to a safer, more resilient Region 6.

“One in which residents can live with confidence in their city’s ability to respond, repair, and rebuild. The city thanks all residents for their ongoing support and co-operation throughout the operations.”

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