Community members express themselves at an Imbizo
Residents of KwaThema and Springs expressed their service delivery grievances to the Members of the Mayoral Committee and councillors during a Mayoral Imbizo held at Bakerton Community Hall on Thursday evening.
They complained about ‘inner’ roads which have not being tarred for years, RDP houses, a shortage of stormwater drains, and a lack of water and electricity connections in squatter camps.
They also complained about the shortage of scholar transport in areas where there are no schools.
Community member Lydia Nyawana (45) says she has been waiting for her RDP house for years.
“I applied for my house five years ago but every time I go to the housing department I am either told that I have to re-apply or there is no budget.
“Whenever we ask our ward councillor for an update, we are told there is no budget to build houses.
“When they were canvassing during elections, they didn’t say they will only deliver when there is a budget.
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“We are tired of hearing promises during elections but when they are supposed to deliver they come up with excuses,” she says.
Another resident, Naome Nhlapo (65), pleaded with the MMCs to look into the irregular municipal rates.
“I have registered as an indigent because I am a pensioner taking care of my grandchildren.
“I can’t afford the monthly rates but to my shock my rates payments increase every month.
“I am forced to use my pension grants to pay for the bill because I fear they will switch off my electricity,” she says.
• Also read: Angry residents demand jobs, burns post office and Duduza Multipurpose Centre
Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Vivienne Chauke, says the residents’ grievances will be submitted to the relevant departments.
“We are happy that community members were able to raise their areas of complaint and satisfaction.
“This opportunity gives us an overview of our shortcomings as government, as to which areas need improvement and more attention in delivering services to our people.
“We will report back the findings to the community members in the next Community Imbizo,” she says.
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