ALBERTON- The residents of Samlenel complex in Melkhout Street, Mayberry Park, are at their wits end waiting for the council to respond to their queries.
Two years ago a driver took the corner too fast and ploughed into the wall at Samlanel Complex. The driver had insurance and the police came out to take a full statement. Two years later the gaping hole in the wall is still there, leaving residents frustrated and vulnerable.
This matter has been reported to council several times with no result.
To make matters worse, the area at the complex entrance started to collapse due to problems with the water pipes that were giving hassles. Half the complex was without water for some time. The hole grew larger every time it rained. Mr Dave Greenwood, the complex chairman, had to ask the garden services to fill the hole to stop further damage.
The complex’s electrical meter box does not lock and has no protective covering. Residents are scared that children will electrocute themselves as it is a three-phase power outlet and can kill someone.
After much waiting and communication the council eventually arrived to fix the water pipes this week, but this is only a temporary measure as the Water Division said the pipes are rusted and need to be replaced completely.
So far no one has arrived to repair the wall.
Response from Cllr Michal Basch:
In response to Mr Greenwood’s complaint about the wall being damaged. I have been requesting that this be repaired from the day that it happened, I have put this before two separate members of the mayoral committee respectively for action, but still nothing has been done. It is unfortunate that the community does not get to see the inefficiencies and frustrations that the councillors have to deal with.
In their view this is a simple issue that should be rectified, and in truth it is. The reality on the other hand is quite different, and as we have seen with both this wall and the bridge over Swartkoppies, what should be done and what actually transpires are two very different things. I will continue to push for the resolution and will once again table the issue at the MMC service delivery meeting.
