Residents of Muddyvale in Merlewood say they feel neglected by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) as many services have not been provided to them for months.
The residents have been fighting about a retaining wall project that has been stagnant since the beginning of 2023.
Although work had continued over the last few months, the residents were concerned that with the December holiday closures their yards were strewn with construction materials and incomplete work pending business re-opening in January.
A resident, Merllisa Robertson said the retaining walls is not the only challenge they are faced with. “Our verges are uncut. The grass has grown so high that you cannot see a child walking through it. Also, with the recent rains some of the yards are flooded as the retaining walls are not yet completed,” said Robertson.
She said a meeting to discuss the issues was to be held at Marburg Library recently, however it had to be cancelled as the leadership from RNM was not present and it had to be rescheduled.
Also, residents feel that the ward councillor, Ajith Rajaram is not available for them in Merlewood and that he is focusing only on Marburg residents.
“We feel that the councillor does not care about us. Whenever we call him to meetings, he is never available, “said Robertson..
Cllr Rajaram said he had noticed that the verges had not been cut, yet a contractor had been awarded a tender.
“I have heard that the contractor is getting paid to do the job which they have not done,” said Rajaram
RNM spokesperson, Simon April said the contractor is still working in the area.
“Clr Rajaram and our Superintendent Dumsani Mhlongo have a standing arrangement that once the contractor is done, they go on an inspection,” said April.
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