During the City of Ekurhuleni’s first Ordinary Council Sitting of the Year, it became apparent that council members were deeply troubled by the city’s maintenance issues. Several council members raised concerns about the poor state of the city, highlighting issues such as overgrown grass, the poorly maintained Lala Ngoxolo Cemetery, and unresolved family grievances regarding unmarked graves. The closure of the crematorium due to unpaid fees and inadequate stove maintenance forced residents to travel long distances to bury their loved ones.
Councillor Peterson voiced his dismay at the apparent neglect of these problems by the government, emphasizing the injustice given that citizens already pay taxes and rates. He highlighted the suffering experienced by residents due to the deteriorating infrastructure. Consequently, residents took matters into their own hands by purchasing cement to fill potholes in roads leading to the airport. Councillor Berg of IRASA mentioned how the city’s value was being diminished by the use of these routes by well-known individuals, some of whom had invested in the city only to witness its degradation
In December, power outages affected Etwatwa, Daveyton, Tsakane, and Langaville, with the most severe case involving a family in Kempton Park without energy for 21 days. Councillor Maifala expressed that Mayor Ngodwana left the city with significant challenges likened to leprosy.
By Nomfundo Twala
