The Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) directorate in Region F has embarked on a vigorous campaign to revitalise the region’s wards. Over the past two months, a dedicated multidisciplinary team has been diligently addressing service delivery concerns and undertaking city-wide clean-up efforts. Their goal is to ensure visibility within the community and guarantee the provision of essential services to all residents.
Region F faces numerous challenges, including issues such as illegal trading, homelessness, the proliferation of illegal structures, exposed cables, power outages, malfunctioning streetlights, and water leaks.
It is also grappling with damaged sewer lines, stolen water metres, water scarcity, uncovered trenches, incomplete infrastructure repairs, blocked drainage inlets, potholes, and faded road markings.
These persistent problems continue to pose significant concerns for the region.
During their inspections, the regional team discovered a multitude of bylaw infringements.
In Ward 124, several restaurants were found to be operating without health certifications, approved floor plans, or inadequate firefighting equipment.
Similarly, in Mayfair, officials witnessed overcrowding in at least three houses, which were found to accommodate over 18 people.
Ward 60 inspections revealed that many supermarkets were operating without the necessary permits for handling food, resulting in the issuance of notices due to the absence of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA). Expired goods were removed from the shelves.
Ward 58 has experienced a surge in homelessness, illegal occupation of buildings, excessive overcrowding, waste accumulation, leaking sewage systems, and deteriorating water infrastructure, all contributing to major health risks.
Instances of illegal electricity and water connections were also prevalent.
The Augmented Field Services (AFS) team, during April and May, collected a total of 9,200 and 5,924 bags of waste, respectively.
Their activities encompassed tasks such as the removal of illegal dumping sites, weeding, sweeping, litter picking, elimination of illegal posters, and grass cutting, among others.
Irene Mafune, Regional Director of CRUM Region F, says these service delivery operations are crucial in enhancing the quality of life. Mafune expresses deep concern about the prevailing illegality, lawlessness, vandalism of municipal infrastructure, and illegal dumping in the region.
She also highlights a positive development where CRUM, in collaboration with Pikitup, facilitated waste management training for over 200 volunteers from CleanCity SA and Eyakho Environmental Group.
“This is intended to ensure efficiency and that they are sufficiently equipped to perform this very important task, all in the spirit of promoting a culture of participative and engaged citizenry,” she says.
Public education and awareness campaigns always accompany these service delivery operations to engage and educate residents while raising awareness about municipal services. In May, the region conducted weekly open days as part of their outreach and awareness programmes, with plans to continue these initiatives.
Written by Dudu Lushaba
20/06/2023