Increase in rates but no service delivery
Homes and businesses have been broken into recently.
Service delivery is a big issue in many areas in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) and residents of Marburg feel no differently.
Besides uncut verges, a resident, Fazal Rahimtoola said another problem is an increase in rates.
“Marburg residents have seen a 50% to 100% increase in rates charges, and some businesses have noted a 165% increase. Residents are perplexed as to where their money is going,” he added.
Some of the issues are non-functional traffic lights, potholes, illegal mechanics, contaminated rivers or streams, and crime.
“One of the non-functional traffic lights is a pedestrian crossing between the KFC and Marburg Secondary intersections. This was raised previously with RNM via the Herald, RNM claimed they are waiting for a part. To date, the traffic light remains non-functional, interestingly, that same traffic light had been non-functional for six months before the Herald contacted RNM.
“The pothole situation has worsened due to the never-ending construction on Main Harding Road. Heavy motor vehicles are diverting through the residential area resulting in the degradation of residential roads. There is no law enforcement presence. An example of this degradation is on Deepvale Road which has close to 147 potholes Yes, I have counted,” he emphasised.
According to Rahimtoola, it is believed that that the contractor busy with the construction of Main Harding Road will start with the rehabilitation of Deepvale Road, once Main Harding Road is completed.
“There is no evidence that a contract will be awarded nor evidence of funds being allocated from RNM’s budget towards the rehabilitation of Deepvale Road. The pothole issue is not only in the residential area, but in the industrial area too. Additionally, empty plots of land across from KFC and next to Marburg Secondary have not received attention from the municipality for years. These plots are used as hideouts for criminals due to the overgrown vegetation,” he added.
Rahimtoola also said that streams and rivers flowing through the residential areas are heavily polluted.
“For many years, residents along Venus Road, Deepvale Road, Chestnut Drive, Crescent Street and Oscar Borcher Road have reported a strong stench emanating from streams in these areas,” he said.
He also said numerous residences and businesses have been burgled.
“We have also seen an increase in prostitutes operating in the residential area. We have illegal mechanics and car washes on Watterson Street, which needs to be attended to by law enforcement. Our ward councillor, Ajith Rajaram is doing his best and has communication trails of issues he has raised with Ugu and RNM, however, both seem to be ignoring their mandate, “he explained.
A request for comment was sent to RNM spokesperson, Simon April, however none was forthcoming at the time of going to press.
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