eMBALENHLE – Extension 11 community members at Mbalenhle are demanding that Govan Mbeki Municipality buy them furniture after it was damaged by water.
They claim that they have told their ward councillor about the blocked storm water channel that was initially built to drain storm water, but now causes water to flow back and flood houses in the area.
The community claimed this has happened numerous times.
“We always lose a lot of property during rainy season because we are not being taken serious. We did not dig this channel. The municipality also fails to maintain it.”
“We want to see the extension of this bridge and the maintenance of our storm water channel.
“The municipality must compensate us for the loss of our furniture,” said Peter Madisha, community member.
Mr Ace Vikazi, Ward 7 councillor, is aware of the community’s complaint, but said there is nothing he can do.
He reported the problem to the municipality’s technical department but nothing is happening.
Mr Vilakazi wished he had money to hire machinery to clean the storm water channel.
“I know the situation of the community I lead, but some things are beyond my powers. I am currently helping community members who have been without electricity for three days. They went to the municipality to seek assistance, but were told their electrical problem required a cable which is not in stock.
“Community members are putting together money to buy a cable that was supposed to be bought by municipality because they want electricity,” said Mr Vilakazi.
“I’m still awaiting response from the municipality.”
Ridge Times contacted Govan Mbeki Municipality’s executive mayor, Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, who promised to attend to the problem.
He did not commit to a date by when this will be done, but said it falls under the Ijima Lokuhlwengisa (cleaning) campaign.
Mr Zuma also said right now they are busy with cemeteries as it is another challenge for the municipality that needs attention.
