Despite ANC Cllr Naeem Patel, trying his best via PRO (public relations) exercises on his social media platforms, attempting to convince residents of Ward 61 that he is serving the community well as Councillor in the area, residents are not fooled.
Patel seems to have increased postings of himself, together with some of his ardent Pakistani followers from the ANC, including the head of the CPF and those on his Ward Committee, posing in front of the camera at various places, trying to impress the community that they are ‘hard at work’ serving the community, but the reality is far from the truth. Despite the social media posts, crime continues and service delivery by the ANC-led Tshwane in the area is reaching new low levels.
In yet more complaints to the Laudium Sun, concerning poor service delivery, residents have again complained to the Laudium Sun about poor service delivery in the area. One of the complaints, is from residents of Kathmandu Street, in Laudium Ext 3, concerning a leaking underground water pipe, which has now been ongoing for at least three months. The water leak from a pipe beneath the pavement on Kathmandu Street, is in front of the house of Thoriso Komane and although it was reported to the Council and the Councillor’s office three months ago, nothing has been done by the officials, to this day, to repair the leak, resulting in a huge wastage of clean water running down the street over months.
Thoriso Komane of Kathmandu Street, Laudium Ext 3, told the Laudium Sun, “I am extremely frustrated and disappointed with the lack of service delivery from the Council regarding the ongoing water leak on Kathmandu Street. This issue has been affecting us for the past three months and despite multiple reports even to the Councillor’s office, nothing has been done to fix it. The leak is coming from a pipe underneath the pavement right in front of my house and it has been continuously wasting clean water every single day. As residents, we are doing our part by reporting problems, but it feels like our concerns are being ignored. Three months is a very long time for such an issue to remain unresolved, especially when it involves something as important as the wastage of clean water. Water is not only a basic necessity, but a scarcity also and seeing it being wasted like this is both heart-breaking and unacceptable. Mhile many communities are struggling with water shortages, here we have clean water running freely into the street without any intervention from the authorities. The situation is also causing inconvenience and potential damage to the surrounding area. The constant flow of water is affecting the pavement and could eventually damage the road infrastructure, to the point that it could even cause a sinkhole if not attended to very soon. It is also creating muddy and slippery conditions, which can be dangerous for pedestrians and residents. What is most disappointing though, is the lack of communication and accountability from the Council and the Councillor. We have not received any updates or feedback on when this issue will be resolved. It feels like our voices are not being heard and that is deeply concerning as we rely on the Council to address such problems promptly. I am once more calling on the Council and on Cllr Patel to take immediate action and have this leak fixed as a matter of urgency. We deserve better service delivery and a response that shows commitment to the community. This ongoing negligence is not only wasting valuable resources, but also eroding our trust in the present local authorities in charge. Enough is enough and we need this matter resolved without any further delay.”
Mary Snyders, also of Kathmandu Street, told the Laudium Sun, “We will vote for the DA this time because Councillor Naeem Patel of the ANC is not doing his job properly at all. For the past three months, we have been dealing with a serious water leakage problem on our street and despite reporting it to the Councillor’s office, no action has been taken. This situation is completely unacceptable and it clearly shows a lack of concern for the residents living here. Every day, clean water is being wasted while many people in other areas are struggling to get basic water supply. It is really sad to see such negligence continue without any urgency from those responsible. The water is leaking from a pipe underneath the pavement and it is not only wasting resources, but also damaging the surrounding area. The longer this issue is ignored, the worse it becomes for everyone living nearby. We are frustrated and tired of being ignored. As residents, we expect better service delivery and accountability from our leaders. Instead, we are left dealing with problems on our own while nothing is being done to fix them. Only recently, during the water crises, we were assured that complaints of water leaks would be given priority by the Council to have these fixed, but it is now 3 months and the leak is still not repaired. This is why many of us have decided that change is necessary. We cannot continue supporting the ANC leadership that fails to address even the most basic issues affecting the community. We are tired of corrupt politicians who are sabotaging our community and not doing anything meaningful for the people. We deserve leaders who listen, act and take responsibility. Our community deserves better and we will make our voices heard through our vote this time.”
Sanita Naidoo, yet another resident of Kathmandu Street, told the Laudium Sun, “This ongoing problem has caused deep frustration within our neighbourhood. For nearly three months, a persistent water leak problem has continued without any meaningful intervention from the local politician. Despite several complaints being lodged, there has been no visible progress or response, leaving residents feeling ignored and disappointed. Watching clean water flow endlessly along the pavement is extremely concerning, especially when so many areas struggle with limited supply of the precious resource. This issue is not only wasteful, but also damaging to the surroundings, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians and affecting the overall environment.”