Residents in the Laudium/Erasmia area continue to complain about poor service delivery in the area.
They say that many of the ANC politicians were quick to attack the DA/ActionSA led Tshwane Council up to a few months back for neglecting Laudium, being a previously disadvantaged area and focusing more on the so called former White areas. However, since October, the Council has been led by the ANC/ActionSA political parties and residents say that service deliveries in the areas seem to be going from bad to worse. This follows numerous statements by the politicians pledging to up service delivery in the area, including giving priority to water leaks and non-functioning streetlights, which turned out to be a myth, as the problem remains. What residents find frustrating is that despite having two Councillors living in the area, both of whom are from the joint ruling parties respectively, residents are tasked with reporting matters such as non- functioning streetlights, potholes and water leaks, when the very same Councillors drive past these places and also see the problems. In yet another complaint to the Laudium Sun, concerning poor service delivery, residents from 17th Avenue have complained of ongoing issues with illegal dumping and water leakages, which they say is turning the area into an unpleasant and unhealthy environment. The residents also say that despite raising the matter with authorities, little has been done to resolve it.
Trushar Kooverjia (21), a Technical SA College student, who lives on Grey Street opposite the affected area, expressed hisfrustration with the lack of action, saying, “For over a year, I’ve reported this issue on the Whatsapp Community Group and also to the Ward Councillor, but nothing has been done, up to now. The dumping is out of control and is ruining our neighborhood. We are tired of being ignored, This issue needs urgent attention to protect our health and restore the beauty of our community. The street is covered with plastic bags all over. That’s horrible,” Trushar said.
Lesley Matlou (28), a security guard at the gated property on Moonstone street, highlighted the unpleasant conditions, ”The trash smells horrible, especially during the day. It’s not just ugly to look at, it’s also unhealthy for the people living and working nearby.” Lesley added regarding the water leakage at the same place, “Water is a valuable resource and to see it just going to waste like that, especially with so many people struggling to get enough water, is heart breaking.” When the Laudium Sun team approached a nearby spaza shop, believed to be the culprit of the dumping, the owner, who did not want to be identified, said, “I don’t know who is dumping this rubbish here which is also affecting our business, but I will clear this dirt. As far as the water leak is concerned, the Council must come fix it.”
When contacted for comment, Paul Bennet from Cllr Patel’s office, declined to respond, stating, “No comment,” regarding the illegal dumping and water leakage on 17th Ave.
The community’s frustration are clear and they say that they hope that very soon changes will be made so that poor service delivery in the area will be a thing of the past, despite the office of Cllr Patel refusing to comment.