“Litter-picking” bills, but no service in Alrode South
"Used needles lay among the grass."
A BUSINESSMAN based in Alrode South (who wishes to remain anonymous) has just about had it with the fact that businesses are paying for services which are not delivered.
In a ride-along with the RECORD he pointed out evidence that litter-picking services have not been delivered for a very long time, yet lot owners are still being charged hundreds of Rands monthly for this service.
His bills alone reach almost R1 000 per month, but the lack of service delivery is felt all around Alrode South, even though businesses are expected to pay for it. The businessman expressed his concerns about what might be happening with all the money paid, and other problems caused by undelivered services, such as people squatting in empty fields, abusing drugs and endangering those who work nearby.
“This area looks terrible,” he said, pointing to piles of plastic and scrap metal dumped on the side of the road. “This cash-for-scrap stand just appeared here one day. I doubt it has any plumbing or electricity sources. It’s not nice to work so close to these conditions. Look at that man,” he gestured. “He is clearly intoxicated and squats here. I don’t know how it got this way.”
Another woman working in the area also commented anonymously: “The open field next to this building is a rubbish bin for medical waste. Used needles lay among the grass. There are women who sell fruit there during the day and I feel worried about their safety. Also, the grass is so long, anyone can hide there and rob or hurt someone.”
The problem arose when municipal workers simply stopped doing their cleaning duties and the Alrode South businessman claims it has become worse since he retired. Since he has been coming into the area less often, the conditions grab his attention more when he does, he says. He filed complaints several times, but nobody has ever responded.
“The municipality needs to pull up their socks,” said the man. “They cannot do what they want with the money they demand from us. They owe us these services.”
The RECORD is awaiting comment from EMM.
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