Western Extension residents say historic suburb is falling into ruin

Residents of Western Extension often refer to the suburb as the ‘Jewel of Benoni’, boasting about its rich history and architectural gems.

However, residents and business owners are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the lack of service delivery.

Rui Marques, owner of The Vegetarium on Elston Avenue, said that as the owner of the business for the past 50 years, he and his family have invested greatly into the area.

Seeing it fall into ruin is, therefore, heartbreaking.

“We are tired of not getting any help from the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE). The roads are in a dire state, not to mention the Benoni Central swimming pool in Kemston Avenue, which underwent a face-lift not too long ago,” said Marques.

Debbie dos Reis, a resident for the past 25 years, said it is a gamble making use of the roads as most are littered with sizable potholes.

“Driving is a gamble as these craters force motorists to swerve into oncoming traffic to prevent damage to their vehicles,” she said.

“The swimming pool is another contentious issue as it is often used by vagrants and we have seen prostitutes conducting business outside or within the confines of the facility.”

In a statement from the CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, the challenges faced by the metro include prostitution and drug traffikcing in the vicinity of the pool.

“The city has on several occasions involved the relevant departments, such as the EMPD, for assistance,” said Dlamini

“We will continue to seek sustainable solutions to these problems.”

He added that the swimming pool received a R12m revamp in 2015 with the scope of work including retiling the entire pool shell, upgrading the filter system and overflow channels, as well as the refurbishment of the lifeguard and first-aid rooms.

The City Times recently visited the facility and found that although the said work has been done, the water in both the main and wading pools is covered with algae.

Further investigations proved that the changing rooms have received no attention and that these areas have been vandalised.

Numerous condom wrappers were strewn inside the facility, which has been closed to the public since February.

“Due to shortages in the supply of soda ash as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the City was compelled to close the facility for public use early.

“There are minor repairs and maintenance work that require attention, which the city is aware of and is addressing,” said Dlamini.

“We are committed to addressing all the identified work as part of our routine repairs and maintenance during winter in preparation for the upcoming swimming season on September 1.”

Comment relating to potholes in the suburb as well as an update on the Town Hall was not received and requests for a site visit with the relevant MMC was not met.

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