Neglected suburb battles crumbling roads, dumping and rising rates

Property owners in Willowbrae Agricultural Holdings near Equestria in the east of Pretoria are up in arms over the deteriorating condition of their area, calling on the metro to deliver services equivalent to the rates and levies they are paying.

The residents, some of whom have lived in the area for more than 30 years, claim their property values are decreasing due to the poor state of the area and the urban decay, while property rates and levies continue to increase.

Frustrated and angry, residents said that what was once a small, peaceful community has turned into a neglected area plagued by poor road infrastructure, inadequate services, and a lack of municipal attention.

As the rainy season approaches, residents are bracing themselves for the worst. They fear that the roads will become impassable and that residents with smaller cars will struggle to navigate the potholed streets.

Resident Mischa Mitchell expressed his frustration, saying the area has decayed in the last 30 years.

“We used to have a small agricultural holding area here, it was well-maintained and safe. Now, it’s like the municipality has forgotten about us,” he said.

He said the situation is further worsened by rampant illegal dumping on Libertas Avenue, which the metro seems powerless to stop. The area is also pitch black at night, with long grass and trees providing cover for illicit activities.

The area was once predominantly full of German-speaking families and had a popular German restaurant. However, due to the decay, shops and restaurants shut down as customers no longer wanted to drive on the poorly-maintained roads.

Mitchell said residents are disheartened because their property values keep falling due to the poor state of the area, while property rates and levies continue to rise.

“Roads are potholed and poorly maintained, grass is left to grow on verges, and trees are left unattended. Drain covers and rainwater drains on roads are broken, creating a hazardous environment for residents,” he continued.

He said the lack of streetlights has turned the area into a haven for thieves and criminals, with residents feeling vulnerable and unsafe.

Mitchell added that residents are furious that they are being forced to pay municipal rates and taxes despite the lack of service delivery.

He said 30 years ago, the area may not have been fully developed, but the services were there, and the area was safe.

“We have had enough of promises and excuses; we want action, and we want it now,” he said.

Mitchell said that Dellwood Road, which runs from Bronkhorstspruit Road to Willowbrae, is in terrible condition.

He said the tar road has deteriorated into a gravel road due to the heavy trucks going to depots and factories in the area.

“The area is plagued by noisy factories, with one steel manufacturer opposite residential properties causing particular concern, especially in the wee hours,” he explained.

He stressed that the constant noise, including sirens going off day and night, weekends, and late-night deliveries, has become a source of stress for residents.

“We are also worried about a fuel depot in the residential area. We are worried about the danger of storing flammable material next to residential properties, as well as the impact of the heavy truck traffic on the roads,” he said, adding that the roads are not built to carry this kind of traffic.

“The vagrants sleeping in bushes behind our properties pose a security risk. The long grasses and bushes provide a hiding place for potential thieves, making us vulnerable in our own homes.”

Mitchell stressed that e-hailing services are reluctant to enter the area due to the poor state of the roads, making it difficult for residents to get around.

“The lack of effective waste removal services has also led to a situation where dustbins are stolen, and black bags are ripped apart in the veld,” he said.

He said that despite repeated reports to the city and the ward councillor, their concerns go unanswered.

“It’s like we’re invisible. We pay our rates and taxes, but we get nothing in return.”

Mitchell added that the city has stated that those who develop must also develop the roads in their vicinity. However, more factories have become operational, yet the road infrastructure remains poor.

Business owners along Libertas Avenue have also raised concerns as piles of rubble and waste continue to build up on the roadside. It is reported that construction contractors are dumping building rubble, while residents add household waste, creating an eyesore and attracting rodents.

The residents said they have been reporting the matter to Tshwane since 2023, but little has been done so far to permanently stop the growing illegal dumping.

Willow Park Manor resident Tsholofelo Mlangeni said the illegal dumping in her area is a huge concern.

“The problem is particularly severe along Brae Avenue and Libertas Avenue, where vacant land has increasingly been used as an informal dumping site.

“This not only spoils the appearance of our suburb, making it look neglected and unsafe, but it also poses serious health risks.

“Accumulated waste attracts pests, creates unpleasant odours, and increases the potential for diseases,” she explained.

Mlangeni claimed that from her observations, the dumping is not only caused by some residents within Willow Park Manor but also by people coming from nearby areas such as Nellmapius.

In response, Lindela Mashigo, spokesperson for the metro, said the city is aware of the deteriorating infrastructure and poor living conditions in Equestria.

Mashigo explained that the roads in the area were designed for agricultural holdings, not industrial use, and that heavy vehicle depots around the area are contributing to the deterioration of the roads.

He said the city conducts gravel road maintenance as and when resources are available.

Mashigo added that the city imported maintenance gravel the previous month and that the region responds to maintenance requests as and when they are received.

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