Infrastructure collapse sparks concerns in Isipingo
Dr Cele, eThekweni’s mayoral parlour representative, acknowledged the concerns and promised a follow-up feedback meeting to identify the stumbling blocks in ward 90 service delivery.
The once-thriving suburb of Isipingo is on the brink of collapse, with its property market and infrastructure in disarray. Unless the city authorities intervene immediately, the area will continue to deteriorate, forcing businesses to shut down.
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According to Sunil Dutt Ramadhar, spokesperson for the Isipingo Ratepayers and Residential Association, the area is plagued by numerous challenges, including:
- Recurring water and electricity outages
- Illegal dumping
- Roadside mechanics operating in the CBD and surrounding areas
- Illegal foreigners roaming the streets
- Pop-up stalls allegedly selling drugs
- Taxis occupying open spaces, parks, and residential pavements
- Illegal spaza shops
- Non-functional streetlights
- Potholes and lack of road markings
- Illegal water and electricity connections
- A non-functional sewer pump station, resulting in raw sewer flowing into neighbouring properties
Ramadhar expressed frustration that despite a mayoral intervention team meeting held on February 14, which was attended by various stakeholders, including the metro police and SAPS, nothing has changed.
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“The issues have gone from bad to worse. One of the first priorities the eThekweni Municipality should address is the illegal dumping. The council’s garden refuse collection sites must be accessible to residents and building contractors, and vacant municipal properties can be converted into additional waste collection sites,” Ramadhar said.
Dr Cele, eThekweni’s mayoral parlour representative, acknowledged the concerns and promised a follow-up feedback meeting to identify the stumbling blocks in ward 90 service delivery.
Isipingo SAPS station commander, Col Hensford Zuma, and Durban superintendent, Magan Govender, assured that regular meetings are held with all role-players, and prosecutions and arrests are being made daily in the Isipingo precinct.
