Mass Ward 98 survey uncovers infrastructure crisis

A massive community-led initiative in Pretoria North’s Ward 98 has uncovered staggering failures in basic municipal service delivery.

The comprehensive survey, spearheaded by DA ward councillor Mickey van der Westhuizen, catalogued thousands of issues over a single weekend, covering more than 500km across the ward.

The findings paint a sobering picture of widespread infrastructure decay and neglect, now formally reported to the metro for urgent intervention.

“This marks the completion of Phase 2,” said Van der Westhuizen. “Phase 1 was about identifying the systemic nature of the issues. Phase Two was about boots on the ground, street by street, intersection by intersection.

“Now begins Phase 3: escalation. From my side, I have done my part. It is now up to the metro to attend to all issues that have been identified, reported, and escalated.”

The breakdown of service delivery problems spans multiple departments.

In the Department of Electricity alone, the figures are alarming: more than 3 700 streetlights are currently non-functional, with 1 877 cases attributed to vandalism.

This is compounded by 218 area electricity faults, 146 damaged poles, and nearly 200 instances of flickering lights, an issue that directly affects both visibility and safety at night.

The Department of Parks and Community Services also faces a backlog.

Over 130 traffic intersections were found to have overgrown grass, while another 332 open spaces and parks require immediate maintenance.

Low-hanging branches, fallen or dead trees, and general neglect of green spaces further highlight the scope of the problem.

Water and sanitation infrastructure is equally compromised, with Van der Westhuizen’s team reporting 89 sites where the metro failed to clean up after completing work.

Damaged water hydrants, sidewalk and street water leaks, and 48 missing manhole covers were just some of the issues raised with the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Notably, sewage overflow was recorded at 19 locations, according to Van der Westhuizen, an issue with serious health implications.

Road and stormwater infrastructure was perhaps the most visibly deteriorated.

“We documented 885 potholes and 184 cases where sidewalks need urgent maintenance,” he explained.

“Beyond that, 123 stormwater drains were found to be blocked, and nearly 200 road markings have faded to the point of invisibility. There are also over 140 areas missing vital traffic signage.”

The scale and organisation of this operation are unprecedented in the ward.

Over the course of three days, the team worked until the early hours of the morning to map, record, and log each issue.

“This was not just a symbolic gesture. It was a forensic survey of municipal failure,” he stated.

He extended his gratitude to the residents, volunteer teams, the DA for logistical support, and the metro police for ensuring their safety.

With the data now escalated to the metro, the ward awaits a meaningful response.

“The ball is in their hands now,” he concluded.

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