A dirty shame as metro fails to provide service delivery to Van Dyk Park residents

This is after, it seems, the metro failed to provide a proper service to the Van Dyk Park residents who reside in the houses.

According to the angry residents, it’s been years since they have seen municipal waste services picking up the rubbish.

They added that the poor service delivery they receive has resulted in people dumping trash all over the place, which has led to unhygienic living conditions.

The residents are also complaining that, after 21 years of democracy, they still have no access to electricity or running water in their households.

This prompted the community to come together on Saturday, February 6, in effort to clean the area.

Ward 31 committee member Effort Siko said: “We are introducing a new system of picketing by not marching through the streets, but doing something constructive.

“It is sad that our right to service delivery is not being met by the government.”

Residents pointed out to the Advertiser that even the grass is not being cut, which results in it becoming a haven for snakes and a nest for criminal activities, including prostitution.

The community was at least assisted with the clean-up effort on the day, by members of the Brakpan and Benoni Customer Care Centres.

According to Shaune le Roux, councillor for Ward 31, she is well aware of the state in which the people are living, as no proper services are rendered to them.

“I have tried several times to follow up on the matter with the municipality, but I was told that the land is still under the control of ERPM and the matter is, therefore, sub-judice,” le Roux said.

“We cannot focus on the basic necessities like toilets and electricity when the housing structures are falling apart.

“The structure needs to be fixed first, then the electricity and water matters can follow.

“I have written a proposal for proper development of the area, but this is still the early stages.”