Ward 132 councillor says Vorna Valley in in crisis

Ward 132 councillor and Section 79 Development Planning Committee member Annette Deppe urgently calls for a thorough infrastructure audit in Vorna Valley, due to persistent burst pipes and a failing electricity grid.

In a statement, Deppe said the City of Joburg’s Development Planning and Town Planning Department needs to undertake an immediate and urgent audit due to years of continuous and severe burst pipes. She said a failing electricity grid and crumbling infrastructure combined with a lack of maintenance and the overcapacity of Vorna Valley were causes for concern.

Deppe said ageing asbestos pipes are a major concern, compounded by the challenging terrain, lack of maintenance, and steady population increase.

“Town Planning has been approving multi-use dwelling applications without ensuring that adequate infrastructure has been added to the existing systems. This includes the creation of additional dams, stormwater drainage facilities, and additional sewerage pipes and pump houses to facilitate water and waste disposal in the area.”

She said continuous warnings have been issued to the City by her in her capacity as the ward councillor and through objections to proposed developments by interested and affected parties, and the Development Planning Section 79 committee – to no avail.

“Furthermore, residents pay increased rates and taxes annually, while the deterioration of infrastructure continues unabated. Vorna Valley is in a crisis. The need for a comprehensive and honest assessment by the city is needed”.

She said the DA will write to the office of the MMC for Development Planning Eunice Mgcina to see to it that this audit is carried out and action takes place soon.

Deppe concluded that the residents of Vorna Valley deserve better living conditions and well-planned service delivery solutions.

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