Toekomsrus DA Ward Councilor Bernard Rooskrantz together with residents of the area have voiced out of their frustration towards the the Randfontein Local Municipality stating that they feel discriminated against by the council.
This follows the recent budget speech where the Randfontein Local Municipality Executive Mayor Sylvia Thebenare apparently set aside funds to the tune of millions that are set to refurbish areas such as Mohlakeng, Badirele and Elandsfontein.
Rooskrantz says that he is saddened that not a cent was set aside for Toekomsrus.
According to Rooskrantz, this is unfair because they too have problems that need to be addressed by the municipality and funds need to be allocated for that.
“We feel that they are giving other residents preferential treatment as opposed to us.
“How do you allocate 67 million to refurbish three wards and not a dime for Toekomsrus?
“These are the very same things that divide communities and ultimately divide the nation,” says Rooskrantz.
He adds that currently more than half of Mohlakeng residents do not pay their municipal accounts and alleges that there is hardly any action taken against them by the municipality
According to him, should Toekomsrus residents not settle their municipal accounts, they are quickly subjected having their electricity disconnected.
“Toekomsrus residents are really being taken for a ride,.
“Our electricity gets cut off even if we are just a little late with our payments, yet the municipality can collect our refuse whenever they want – sometimes not at all – and we must just sit back and take it.
“The Municipality applies different principles for different areas.
“How unfair is that?
“I think that this constitutes to the exploitation of the poor as well as abuse of power by the municipality.”
The Herald has contacted Municipal spokesperson Lucky Chiya and awaits comment.
