Residents of Soshanguve Extension 5 are fed up with the persistent water and electricity outages in their area, feeling that the municipality’s recent service delivery initiatives have fallen short of addressing their concerns.

Despite the City of Tshwane’s recent service delivery drive in Region 1, which includes Soshanguve Extension 5, residents claim that their area was not prioritised. 

The drive focused on cosmetic issues such as grass cutting, tree pruning, road marking, weeding, branch removal, and litter pickup, leaving residents feeling neglected and excluded from the municipality’s plans.

Resident Rachael Phefo, 65, expressed her frustration, saying: “We are struggling with water issues, and I request that the government address the problem so that we can have access to water.” 

She suggested that installing water meters would be a step towards resolving the issue. 

She also highlighted her own struggle, having waited for an RDP house since 2012.

Other residents echoed similar concerns. Ephenia Montshiwa said: “We often experience water outages, especially on weekends and long weekends, which can last from early morning throughout the day.” 

Salome Maboya, a committee member of ward 35, complained about constant water and electricity challenges, saying: “We reside next to a reservoir in Block L, yet we experience water shortages, sometimes going without consistent supply for more than three consecutive days.”

Johannes Maimela, a 70-year-old resident, expressed gratitude for his government-provided RDP house but highlighted several concerns. 

“The water geyser installed in my house has been malfunctioning since it was installed over a year after the house was built. It only worked for a year, and the plastering is also peeling off,” he said. 

Residents are calling for urgent attention to these issues, emphasising the impact on daily life. 

They are also demanding increased law enforcement in the area due to rising crime rates.

Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Region 1, Aaron Maluleka, said the recent service delivery campaign is part of the city’s renewed commitment to restore dignity, safety, and functionality in communities. 

He welcomed the planned service delivery operations and pledged support to the maintenance team, appealing for patience from the communities as the city’s urban management work progresses across the region.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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