Despite failing dismally in providing service delivery as prescribed by the constitution, the ANC-led Tshwane Council and its Councillors, including ANC Ward Councillor, Naeem Patel, continue to push a false narrative via social media posts, that the ANC ‘cares for its people.’
The reality for many is that the ANC-led Council, mainly cares for themselves and their comrades and very little for the people they are supposed to be serving.
This follows yet another week, with local residents complaining of poor service delivery. This time some residents of Mink Street told the Laudium Sun that they are frustrated after repeatedly complaining to the Council about an underground water pipe leak that has still not been fully resolved since May 5. According to residents, the leakage began on May 5 and Council workers only came around May 15 to address the issue, after numerous complaints. Although the water leakage has now stopped, residents say that the Council workers have to date, not yet restored the area of the leak which was previously paved, but has now just been partly covered with loose sand, causing dust and mud. The residents have also complained about their streetlights not working for months.
The leak occurred in front of the house of Haseena Goolam of Mink Street, who told the Laudium Sun, “Council workers came to fix the water leakage, but they did not fix the issue completely. The water leak outside our house started around May 5 and we complained many times to the Council. We also called Naeem Patel at that time, but it has all been fake promises from him. The Council workers only came about 10 days later, around May 15, to fix the water leakage, but they did a half job and did not restore the area properly, which was paved before. Even now, the hole that they dug to fix the leaking pipe, is still only covered with some sand and it is in a mess with dust blowing and mud flowing out when it rains. We then again reported the incomplete job to the Council office as well as to Naeem Patel, that the Council workers just dumped some sand over the hole they dug and did not fix the water leakage properly. This situation is dangerous because it is in front of our house and the streetlights have not been working for some time, so there is a high chance of an accident taking place. Despite repeated complaints to the Council office and to Naeem Patel, nothing has happened and no one from the Council has come back to fix the problem. This is totally unacceptable because we pay Rates & Taxes, yet the level of service delivery we are receiving from the Council is extremely poor. The Council workers must come back and fix the mess they created, because it is not good at all. We cannot continue living in these conditions while our concerns are being ignored.”
Aktar Nabeed, also of ??? Mink Street, told the Laudium Sun, “The situation regarding the water leakage has become extremely frustrating and disappointing. The problem began in early May and from that time residents have been continuously reporting the issue to the relevant authorities. Despite numerous calls, follow-ups, and complaints, there was very little urgency shown by the Council in addressing the matter. After several days of waiting, workers eventually arrived around May 15 to attend to the fault. However, what was expected to be a proper repair turned out to be an incomplete and careless effort. Although the flow of water was stopped, the surrounding environment was left in terrible condition. Large amounts of sand and uneven surfaces were left behind, creating both inconvenience and danger for those living nearby. We also reached out to local leadership, including Naeem Patel, hoping that intervention at that level would result in quicker and more effective action. Unfortunately, the responses received were not followed by meaningful results on the ground. Promises were made, but the condition of the area reflects a lack of accountability and proper service delivery. The current state of the street is unacceptable. The leak area remains poorly maintained and the leftover materials have made movement difficult, especially for elderly residents and children. Furthermore, the absence of proper street lighting on our street has increased the safety risk significantly during the evening hours, raising serious safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists alike. Repeated attempts to escalate the matter through official channels have not brought any resolution. It is deeply concerning that despite paying Rates & Taxes, residents are left dealing with unfinished work and unsafe surroundings. Basic Municipal responsibilities should include not only addressing infrastructure issues, but ensuring that repairs are completed to an acceptable standard. There is a clear need for the Council workers to return, properly clean the area and complete the work in a professional manner. The community deserves better treatment and it is important that this matter is resolved without further delay. Leaving the site in its current condition, reflects poorly on service delivery and shows disregard for the well-being of residents.”
