Residents of Wrenchville and Kuruman have expressed their long-standing dissatisfaction and frustration over the ongoing neglect of basic services by the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality.
The community’s main concerns include irregular water supply, sewage spillages, blocked drains, poorly lit streets, lack of electrical infrastructure maintenance, and air pollution from burning dumps.
During a peaceful protest on Friday 20 February, residents formally handed over a memorandum of demands to municipal leadership. They emphasised that access to basic services is a constitutional right, and the failure to deliver these services constitutes an injustice to the people.
The memorandum, addressed to Mayor Neo George Masegela, Municipal Manager Martin Tsatsimpe, and Ward Councillor Charles Phillips, demands immediate action on serious ongoing health and safety issues that could be prevented through proper service delivery.
Residents stated that the lack of service delivery drastically affects their quality of life and violates their basic human rights to a clean, safe and healthy environment.
Wrenchville’s sewage crisis
Wrenchville residents have faced overflowing sewage systems and blocked drains for many years, with no long-term solution in sight. In 2024, NoordkaapBulletin reported on the “unbearable stench” residents endure daily and overflowing sewage pipes beside homes. This week, a video was received showing the same overflowing sewage manhole.
The area has experienced a significant increase in air pollution due to the landfill and sewage spillages. The landfill, located close to houses and next to New Wrenchville Primary School, disrupts the teaching and learning process.
Constant burning of items at the landfill creates substantial smoke and environmental pollution, leading to serious health hazards. The smoke is described as unbearable, with no control over what is being burnt. Without proper fencing around the landfill, children have free access to the unsafe area.
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Infrastructure breakdown
Waste management remains a persistent problem, with streets littered with household waste and garden refuse. Rubbish bags are not collected regularly, leading to rodent infestation and serious health hazards. The cemetery is deteriorating due to prolonged neglect.
Incomplete projects and open holes pose additional concerns, with some holes becoming potentially hazardous when filled with water.
Residents have also requested information about when housing in Spokiesdorp will be completed.
Streets remain poorly lit or completely unlit at night, creating safety concerns and diminishing quality of life. “We are aware that a budget was made available for restoring or installing streetlights, and that this is a priority in the Integrated Development Plan. However, the restoration of streetlights has not yet become reality,” the memorandum stated.
Overgrown trees and reeds increasingly pose safety hazards, particularly during heavy rainfall. The reeds contribute to accidents on the N14 when exiting Wrenchville by compromising drivers’ vision. They also create serious health hazards by harbouring stagnant water and potentially snakes.
Water and electrical dangers
Irregular water supply not only disrupts the lives of rate-paying residents but also affects schools. When there is no running water, schools must be dismissed by law. During unannounced prolonged water outages, major leaks are left unattended, leaving residents desperate and consuming water from these leaks without knowing whether it is safe.
Numerous electrical boxes in public areas remain open, exposing live wires. Electrical poles are collapsing, leaving live wires draped over trees and residents’ gardens. This poses critical danger, particularly to children and pets, and could lead to serious accidents or fatalities if left unaddressed.
Community demands
Residents demand a timeline and action plan for addressing these issues. They also seek transparent feedback on the budget allocated to Wrenchville, as well as an income and expenditure breakdown regarding property rates and taxes paid by Wrenchville residents, within seven days.
They have requested that this information be presented at a community meeting with all relevant stakeholders.
“Should the issues outlined not be addressed within 21 days, we will escalate our concerns to the relevant authorities and intensify our peaceful demonstrations until our grievances are resolved.”
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