The King Protea is one of the most spectacular members of the Proteaceae family, and as a result, has been designated the national flower of South Africa.
Protea Street in Sakhile, however, polluted with dirty water, litter scattered everywhere and unhappy residents, does not share any resemblance.
Mr Jack Johnson, an electrician, has recently made his dissatisfaction with the conditions they are forced to live in, known.
“Health hazards outside residents’ houses are nothing new to us,” he said.
Next to his house was the proof in the form of an illegal dump site where people from the area discard household waste.
Combine that with a neighbour’s water meter, that has been leaking for two months, and you might have an idea of the muddy mess caused.
Mr Johnson has allegedly reported several issues to the Lekwa Municipality on numerous occasions, but to no avail.
According to him as a temporary solution a councillor bridged his electricity with the main line, because his power box is also inoperative.
This solution has however been stretched over a period of four years.
“We are not getting any support or answers from the municipality.”
“Residents of Protea Street are forgotten.”
These questions were posted to Mr Sipho Mkwanazi, communications officer of the Lekwa Municipality:
1) According to municipal practice, what is an acceptable time of response on complaints received from residents and do they vary according to the seriousness of the complaint?
2) Is the municipality aware of the concerns people in Protea Street have?
3) Who is responsible for leaking water meters when it is outside the resident’s yard?
4) Does the municipality pick up refuse at all residences throughout Sakhile and how often?
5) What is the municipality’s view on illegal dump sites, what are they doing to prevent illegal dumping and do they clean up these sites?
6) What is the fine for illegal dumping and has their been actual instances where people were fined, can you mention an instance?
7) How long may a house’s electricity be bridged as a temporary solution?
8) What protocols must be followed by the electrician when bridging electricity as a temporary solution?
He could however not comment at the time of going to press.
