Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys believes the infrastructure in Bedfordview cannot sustain its existing density, let alone what would be required if the suburb was to densify further.
“Without substantial upgrades to infrastructure, the system is surely going to collapse. A once excellent system is groaning under the weight of no maintenance and no replacements.”
Humphrey’s added that despite continual outcries for infrastructure upgrades in the area, the City of Ekurhuleni keeps approving the development of additional multiple dwellings.
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“Where are our frequently touted principles of a resilient city? A smart city?”
She added that the Edenvale CCC had recently sustained enormous losses.
“New contractors are in the process of being appointed and deployed, but this struggling department needs urgent assistance. They are working to capacity but not keeping up,” Humphreys said.
“Neither can I. It is impossible to accomplish anything within my legislative requirements, as I have become a call centre. Every rate-paying resident in my ward and beyond, in this failing metro, is contacting me because the call centre and app are not functioning,” she said.
Humphreys pointed out that Bedfordview has many thriving businesses that employ many people.
“But when these businesses have sewerage coursing through their properties for weeks on end and no water in the taps because of repeated bursts, how can such business be sustained?”
Desperate residents have in recent weeks watched in horror and disbelief as thousands of litres of fresh, potable water gushed into the streets while their taps ran dry.
“Even with the best will in the world and supreme effort, our depot simply cannot replace broken pipes, respond to multiple blockages and leaks, resolve the no water pressure and implement reinstatements without the resources to do so.”
She said the Edenvale water and sanitation department urgently needed staff to manage the most basic service delivery in Bedfordview and Edenvale.
“Never mind dealing with a system that should have been replaced years ago that is now failing.”
According to Humphreys, the rot and decay in Bedfordview is nothing short of spectacular.
“The result of which is that the highest rate-paying residents are choosing to leave Bedfordview. This is happening in substantial numbers and in many cases people are choosing to abandon their homes. How does the City expect to be paid for virtually non-existent service delivery?”
She also questioned how the City expected residents to report issues with the ‘dysfunction of the call centre and even Siyakhokha’.
“How can anything be attended to if it can’t be reported? How can anyone pay if there is no functional platform to pay into or even access statements?
“The City likes to brag about the good work done in the metro. Well, it certainly isn’t happening here. Bedfordview residents are expected to shut up and pay.
“While we all understand the need to provide services for previously disadvantaged areas, it is not acceptable when the management of these monies apparently intended to uplift the needy, disappear down an ever-deepening pit of mismanagement through failed projects.”
The NEWS sent an enquiry for comment in this regard to the City on September 1 and comment was requested by September 3 at 10:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
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