The expectation that the DA would ‘clean up’ Johannesburg is becoming a fading hope. I understand that one needs to consider that time was needed after taking over the municipality from the ANC for the DA to establish themselves in the position, especially considering the ‘challenges’ (I’m trying to be polite about the findings against the ANC).
That being said, the residents of the city would not have expected the state of the municipality to deteriorate. I’m afraid that, in my opinion, the DA have allowed such a situation. Just within the Kloofendal and Allens Nek areas, I can cite several issues :
1. The Kloofendal power substation is currently being upgraded but there is equipment there that emits the most awful sound, day and night. Complaints and requests for progress updates (there was a commitment that this would be resolved by July) are ignored by both City Power and the (DA) councillor responsible for the Kloofendal area.
2. Litter is strewn around the streets of Kloofendal. I have reported illegal dumping to Pikitup and was even provided a reference, but that’s where the matter appears to have been left.
3. The streets of Kloofendal appear to have become congested with traffic, primarily during peak hours and by those attempting to avoid the various robots on the main roads. The suburban roads (e.g. Veronica, Opal and Topaz Streets) were probably not built to handle the volume of traffic and are now deteriorating rapidly (with major potholes).
4. No traffic calming measures [have been] applied to the roads which are now being used as main routes.
5. The litter that lines Christiaan de Wet Road is absolutely shocking. I cannot say whether it’s due to the vagrants that live in the bushes alongside the road, but I believe they are a great contributor.
6. Some tree-felling moron has used several of the rocks to advertise his business. There are at least three huge rocks which have been painted with the contact details. Surely this is an illegal act and the perpetrator should be liable for the cost of cleaning this up?
I have just highlighted some of the issues in the areas which I mostly frequent, but the problems are not only isolated to these areas. While our State President may be bringing the ANC into disrepute, I believe the lack of action by the DA may have voters seriously considering who they may vote for at the next election.
