Following recent complaints about service delivery in Venterspost, the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) said residents can be assured that they are working hard to improve services in this community.
On 8 April 2019, the Herald reported about two Venterspost residents, Demi van Wyk and Sannie Kruger who said they were experiencing constant power and water outages as well as a lack of maintenance.
The following day, 9 April 2019, Esther Swart, the AfriForum Westonaria Branch chairperson and Cindy Mienie, another resident, criticised these claims.
Since then, 15 residents of Venterspost complained to the Herald about power outages, water problems, illegal dumping, the condition of the roads, lack of general service delivery and being targeted by criminals due to the vacant areas not being maintained. These complaints have been forwarded to the RWCLM.
Tshidiso Thlaripe, RWCLM spokesperson, said they were aware of these complaints and service delivery problems.
“The RWCLM acknowledges that the community of Venterspost has lately had power outages. The outages are a result of Eskom cables having been stolen. We have lately observed the systematic theft of cables and that has resulted in many power outages,” he said.
He also said that Eskom has always been responsive by availing technicians to help restore power following unplanned outages.
“We call on communities to protect their assets as theft of electricity cables robs them the luxury of having a service they deserve. We want a partnership with communities as they are the eyes and ears of the municipality and they must avail information on the perpetrators of these illegal acts.”
He also said that the municipality has ordered tarring materials and that the roads of Venterspost are part of the priority list of streets to be fixed.
“Also, we acknowledge that Venterspost has been hit by water outages. This is the result of the damaged items from the plant. We have been trying to communicate the problems encountered and turnaround time for resolving the problem.”
