ALBERTON – There have been several articles in the RECORD dealing with the lack of service delivery in Alberton, specifically on sewage and refuse removal.
Cllr Haipel responded about Ekurhuleni’s service delivery after receiving a complaint from a resident in New Redruth.
“Once again the ratepayers must bear the brunt of the inefficiency, an inability to plan by the leadership of EMM,” Cllr Haipel said.
She further explained that the Electricity Department is understaffed, and that there is a dire need of engineers.
The Roads Department has no bitumen in stock.
Fines should have been given to the guilty parties, who have not removed their election posters in the allowed time, but no one has received a fine as of yet.
These are just a few of the examples that Cllr Haipel has brought to light, where EMM has not delivered services to taxpayers.
EMM responded to the concerns that the ward councillor voiced.
They confirmed that the Electrical Department is understaffed, because engineers are listed as one of the country’s most scarce skills professionals, but ensured that the maintenance received by electrical equipment and transformers is sufficient.
The Roads Department has sent a R10 000 quote to stores for a supply of cold mix asphalt and is awaiting the order number, and a request was sent out for the advertising of a tender for the entire Roads Department.
In relation to the fines of election posters, EMM stated that offenders have been charged R95 per advertisement in terms of the promulgated tariffs.
“Unfortunately, some dedicated officials in these departments find themselves under undue pressure to perform, without the wherewithal to do so, no wonder they are often off ill or on study leave,” Cllr Haipel said.
The RECORD will be investigating the lack of other services in Alberton.
