Councillor Reddy talks about lack of service delivery
The ward councilor admits a lot still needs to be done in his ward and calls out the city for not investing in upgrading infrastructure.
Councilor Vino Reddy from Ward 93 said his ward was experiencing several service delivery issues.
He claimed the City of Johannesburg was not investing in upgrading infrastructure.
This included vital upgrades such as the installation of new water and sewerage pipes, road resurfacing, tamper-proof traffic intersections, sustainable and long-lasting streetlights, as well as urban infrastructure to support lifestyle and leisure activities.
Reddy said he had frequently requested these upgrades during the IDP process. However, budget constraints have led to cutbacks, with the Sunninghill taxi redevelopment project being the only development budgeted for in the ward even though there had been no progress on it in the past four years.
“This has led to the proliferation of taxis parking at major intersections creating major congestion and disrupting the flow of traffic. Despite numerous pleas to the Department of Transport and the region, this problem persists and is growing.”
He said the department had granted the taxi association permission to construct a parking shelter at the intersection of Witkoppen and Cambridge roads in Paulshof. However, this has turned into an unauthorised taxi rank, with the department failing to take responsibility for its actions and not acting to stop this, particularly when the site is not designated for a taxi rank.
He also highlighted there was an increase in the number of ‘unofficial traffic wardens’ and said there have been reports of aggressive behaviour by these wardens towards drivers who did not give them tips.
“Tipping only serves to incentivise these unofficial traffic directors to tamper with traffic lights and contributes to an informal income stream. This behaviour is unlikely to cease until tipping is discontinued.”
Also read: Region A officials conduct a walkabout in Ward 94 to identify and respond to service delivery issues
Another issue facing the area was the theft of fencing. “There have been numerous cases of fencing being cut and removed. This threatens the safety and security of motorists and pedestrians from smash and grabs and opens property to land grabs.
“The growth in illegal advertising is another issue that needs to be tackled by by-law enforcement. These are the erection of billboards, posters and mobile trailers which will have to be removed.
“The lack of funding/investment by Joburg Water is evident by the constant flow of water on Concourse Road, Lonehill. The water pipe is severely compromised with multiple leaks requiring the entire line to be replaced. It was reopened after the valve failure at Mulbarton Road, something we are still waiting for JW to fix or replace.”
The other issue was the slow pace of JW reinstatements which were taking months, some outstanding for almost two years, Reddy said.
“This is despite escalating these to Joburg Water, Joburg Roads Agency and to Region A. JRA has been responsible for JW reinstatements since July 2023.
“Our streets remain dark despite consistent reporting to City Power. There are some streets where new light poles/ lights are installed but not switched on. Dark roads affect the safety and security of residents and encourage criminal activities. We are also working tirelessly about the land envision at Clay Oven and Ginger Park.
“Residents are frustrated with the slow service delivery and rising rates. It’s time for the city and province to meet their service delivery obligations. I will keep fighting for better service despite the challenges. “
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