Complaints against the ANC Ward Councillor and the ANC-led Tshwane Council have once again surfaced, following the fierce storm and hail in and around Laudium this past Sunday (Jan 18).
Several residents have since accused Councillor Naeem Patel of making false or misleading statements on social media platforms, by indicating that he and his team from the Ward 61 Residents Association and his Ward Committee members were helping residents affected by the storm, who needed assistance. Residents said that neither Patel, nor his team or the Council were of assistance on the day of the storm and that in fact Patel was not prepared to help them, when they approached him.
Keshnee Verdappen a pensioner from Jacinth Street in Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, on Monday, after the storm of Sunday. “My tree fell yesterday in the yard during the storm. Neighbours and family members kindly came to assist and managed to cut off most of the stems and branches, but there were still large sections of the tree that I could not remove myself. The tree fell between my house and my neighbour’s house and was blocking both driveways, making it impossible for us to move from the front boundary door to the front gate. We called Councillor Naeem Patel who then visited my property yesterday and said that the Council would not be able to assist because the tree is on private property, not on the street or public land. However, he mentioned that he would contact the Laudium Disaster Management team to request help and assured me that someone would be sent out. Unfortunately, no assistance has arrived so far. This morning, I called Councillor Patel again, and his assistant, Paul, answered, saying he would get back to me. But I have still not received any response. I am living on a pension and it is difficult for me to hire private tree cutting services because they charge a substantial amount. We have a Councillor who is supposed to help people in real need, yet besides making false promises, the service delivery provided by the Council is very poor. I am left struggling while waiting for promises that are not kept. Other neighbors in the area are also concerned about safety and accessibility. The fallen tree has created not only a logistical problem but also a potential safety hazard, as blocked driveways could delay emergency response if needed. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in service delivery and responsiveness in the area, particularly during extreme weather events. While Councils are responsible for public safety and disaster management, private property issues often leave residents like me in a difficult position when immediate assistance is required. Many in the community are now urging the Council to find a solution that supports residents facing emergencies and ensures that promises made by local representatives translate into real help on the ground.”
With the help of neighbours monies were collected and a private firm was hired to cut and remove the remaining part of the fallen tree.
Kreeshni Padayachey of Jacinth Street, Laudium, the neighbour of Keshnee, told the Laudium Sun, “My boundary wall was damaged after trees fell onto my property and that of my neighbour during the storm. As a result, both our yards were blocked and we were unable to move freely within our own properties. The fallen trees have caused not only physical damage but also significant disruption to our daily lives. I requested urgent assistance from the Council to remove the trees, as I am currently unemployed and have children who need to attend school. The blocked yard made it difficult for them to leave the property safely and on time. It also created a safety hazard for anyone trying to move around the area. Dealing with this damage on my own was impossible, as removing the trees and repairing the wall requires professional help and resources that both me and my neighbour do not have. I am disappointed that help from the Council was not forthcoming.”
properties.
Imran Khan, a resident of 19th Avenue in Laudium, told the Laudium Sun on Monday (after the Sunday storm). “A tree has fallen and is blocking part of the street on 19th Ave, creating a real accident risk. We have a Council responsible for cutting trees in emergencies and removing fallen trees from the streets, but nothing has been done for the community after the storm. The storm happened on Sunday, January 18, and today is Monday, January 19. No one from the Council has come to remove the tree that fell on 19th Avenue. The partly blocked street is not only a traffic problem, but also a serious safety hazard. Vehicles cannot pass safely and pedestrians are forced to walk around the tree, increasing the risk of accidents. The lack of immediate assistance is frustrating. People in this society often make a lot of noise with siren cars and announcements, but when it comes to actual service delivery, nothing is done. Residents of Laudium are left to deal with dangerous situations like this on their own and it is disappointing to see promises of help not being fulfilled. Residents are calling for better accountability and quicker response from the Council to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. The situation on 19th Avenue shows the challenges faced when urgent assistance is needed. The Council must provide real, timely support so that promises of help are met and residents can feel safe in their community.”
The Laudium Sun understands that the Council eventually cleared the fallen tree late Tuesday afternoon.
Siva Govender, a resident of Jacinth Street, Laudium told the Laudium Sun, “During the severe storm and heavy rainfall, a large tree collapsed onto my neighbour’s wall and yard, causing extensive damage. My neighbours were trapped inside their house because of the fallen tree and it was a frightening and dangerous situation. Naeem Patel visited the scene and indicated that he would return, but more than 24 hours have passed and no follow up has taken place. The residents in the area finally came together to assist as much as they could, cutting branches and trying to clear some of the debris, but significant damage remains. The situation has not yet been assessed or attended to by the relevant authorities, leaving the community vulnerable and unsafe. The storm has exposed the lack of timely support during emergencies. Residents are forced to manage dangerous situations on their own, which creates stress and anxiety, especially when people are trapped or property is damaged. Immediate assistance from the Council is crucial to prevent further such incidents and to restore safety. The damage caused by the fallen tree highlights the urgent need for proper disaster response and accountability from authorities. Residents in the area are now calling for faster action so that emergencies like this are handled promptly and effectively.”
Berhanu Dindamo from 8th Ave, Laudium (Old Bericks building) told the Laudium Sun, “I run a tuck shop and the storm on January 18 caused serious damage to my business. The entire roof of the shop was blown off and the situation is really terrible. The storm lasted only about ten minutes, but the damage was extensive and overwhelming. The sudden strength of the storm was frightening. Heavy winds and rain tore through the area and I had very little time to protect the shop or its contents. The roof was severely damaged, exposing the interior of the shop with rain causing a risk to stock and equipment. The repair costs are significant and I am left struggling to find resources to restore the shop to a usable condition. This incident has created not only a financial burden, but also a sense of insecurity, as extreme weather events like this can happen without warning. There was no support from the local authorities or the local organisations on the day, which was disappointing. The damage to my tuck shop highlights the vulnerability of local businesses during storms and the urgent need for timely assistance. I hope that measures are taken to provide proper support and protection for residents and business owners facing emergencies in Laudium.”
Murthy Coollappen a resident of Onyx Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “At the back of my house, a large tree fell during the storm, causing severe damage to my entire outer building. The tree also landed on the roof of my house, damaging both the roof and parts of the house itself. The storm was extremely strong, and the damage happened very quickly. As a pensioner, I cannot afford to pay for the removal of such a large tree, which would cost almost R3,000. I sought assistance from the Council and the Councillor, but I was informed that because the tree is on private property, the Council cannot provide help. This leaves me in a very difficult position, as the damage is significant and I do not have the resources to repair the house or remove the tree safely on my own. The storm not only caused physical damage but also created a dangerous situation. The fallen tree has blocked access to parts of the property and made my house unsafe. This incident highlights the vulnerability of residents, especially the elderly, during extreme weather events. Quick intervention from professional services is critical to protect lives and property. I hope that someone can provide the assistance needed to restore my home and make the property safe again.”
The Laudium Sun understands that nearby residents assisted in cutting and removing the tree from the yard.
