Complaints of poor service delivery in Ward 61, continue to pour in, with residents claiming that Cllr Naeem Patel is failing in his duty to serve the community.
Residents say that although they have reference numbers of many of their complaints, Cllr Patel is ‘looking for excuses’ and pushing the ‘buck’ on them, by asking for reference numbers of complaints on Council property, such as drain covers missing on Council owned sidewalks or streetlights not working. The residents added that they see no reason why such kind of complaints cannot also be sent to the relevant Council department by Cllr Patel or his lefty from his office, Paul Bennet, for the pair to obtain a reference number and then escalate the matter, if it is not sorted out.
This follows residents of Emerald Street being frustrated due to a dangerously damaged storm water drain cover, that has not been fixed for about three months. Residents say that despite complaining numerous times to the Council, with no response received, they feel that it is high time that Patel and Paul should also ‘do some work,’ by calling the relevant Council department themselves and obtaining the necessary reference numbers that Patel harps so much about. The concrete drain cover top, which has been laying upside down for about three months, is not only blocking rain water running from the street into the drain, but also poses a danger, as it lays partly on the street and is dangerous to passing cars. Residents fear that if it is not fixed soon, it could cause a major accident. Despite multiple concerns raised, Council workers have not yet come out to inspect, repair, or replace the damaged concrete slab, residents say. The lack of response from the Tshwane Council and the Cllr Patel has left residents feeling ignored and fearful.
Rubina Malik of Emerald Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “The storm water drain slab on our street has been damaged for three months now and poses a serious threat to the community. It was originally damaged by a taxi, but since then, no Council worker has come to inspect or replace it. We’ve reported this issue to the Council multiple times, but nothing has been done. This is pure negligence. The drain cover is in a dangerous position. It could easily cause a major accident at any moment. This is the main street that connects Laudium to the other extensions. How can the Council turn a blind eye to such a critical hazard? I just don’t understand how they can ignore something so dangerous. The drain cover must be fixed or replaced as soon as possible. If not, we’re going to see a serious accident soon. It’s not only a threat to cars but also to pedestrians, especially elderly people. What makes it even worse is that the streetlights in this area are not working. So, at night, this becomes a death trap. Can you imagine how dangerous that is? The Council must act immediately. The service delivery from Councillor Naeem Patel has been absolutely pathetic and unacceptable. He knows about the problem, yet he keeps asking for a reference number, seemingly as a delay tactic. Why can’t he also complain to the Council and get his own reference number, as this drain is on the street, which is Council owned property and not in our private homes. We need better service and accountability for our community. Right now, it feels like our Councillor is losing the battle for good service delivery.”
Hanif Rasool, another concerned resident of or Emerald Street, shared his fears with the Laudium Sun, “The storm water drain cover is in an absolutely unacceptable condition. As elderly residents, we feel extremely anxious when driving—whether it’s during the day or at night. Sometimes, due to age, we misjudge our steps or steering and this damaged drain cover puts us at serious risk. I truly fear that unless something is done urgently, there will be a major accident caused by this hazard. It’s been months since the cover was damaged, but no one from the Council has come to inspect or replace it. The Council must take responsibility and fix this immediately. This is a real danger for all residents, especially for the elderly and children. We should not have to live in fear every time we leave our homes.”
Abbas Sheikh, also of Emerald Street, told the Laudium Sun, “This is pure negligence from the Council. The storm water drain has been in pathetic condition for months and no one has come to fix it. It’s extremely dangerous and the Council must send their people immediately to repair or replace it, before someone gets seriously injured.”
