Hundreds of Randfontein residents are fed up with the town’s state of affairs.
They are calling for immediate action towards their grievances, which include the interrupted power supply as a result of the Drowell substation, as well as the pertinent issue of potholes, refuse removal and streetlights repairs.
News of this became evident on June 16 after they held a heated community meeting, to table some of the issues they are experiencing with the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM).
Also read: Drowell substation update: Areas are being switched on one by one
Speaking to the Randfontein Herald in an interview, the meeting’s organiser, KC Larsen said that they are beyond fed up with how things are in Randfontein and that enough is enough.
“We are fed up with the lack of service delivery as a whole in Randfontein. Our most important priority is to force the repairs of the Drowel substation with immediate effect and that’s because if that substation crashes, then a majority of the town is affected, and residents are left with no power.
“We also want to get streetlights in all areas repaired to add visibility. We believe that this will reduce crime which is currently plaguing our neighbourhoods.
Also read: Damaged breaker at Drowell substation leads to unexpected power outage
“Another issue we want to be prioritised is refuse removal. We want that service to be restored fully to all areas like it used to be, so our town as a whole doesn’t look like a dumping site.
“Also on the list is the issue of pothole repairs. They are so bad and more vehicles are being damaged as a result of the roads and potholes. Motorists find themselves having to drive like they are drunk, to avoid hitting the potholes,” said Larsen.
She added that the community will continue to use all available avenues to fight for adequate service delivery.
If all else fails, Larsen said that they will have no choice but to gather as residents and take to the streets, to shut down Randfontein, in a peaceful manner.
Also read: Resident steps in to fix more than 1 000 potholes
This will be to have their voices heard and their outcries attended to by the relevant authorities within the municipality.
While this may be, Larsen together with other residents also acknowledged the role played by the ward councillors and their efforts in escalating their issues in council meetings and doing their best in trying to mitigate challenges faced by the community.
“We are doing this for all residents of Randfontein, but most importantly for those who can’t fight for themselves. We are talking about babies and children whose parents can’t afford alternatives when there’s no electricity. We are also talking about the senior citizens of this town who are medically vulnerable and on life support and can’t survive without electricity.
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“These are the people who are dying every time there’s extended load-shedding or when the Drowel substation crashes. These are the people that pay with their lives and it is not fair,” said Larsen.
The Herald spoke to RWCLM spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa who said that the municipality did not know about the meeting.
“We had no knowledge of the meetings and no one engaged with us regarding this. As a result, we were not in attendance but we do note the issues that have been brought to our attention by the media,” said Montshiwa.
